This is a subscriber-only article
Farmers could once and for all tackle cattle rustling using genomics.
Teagasc geneticist Donagh Berry wrapped up the National Beef Conference in Athlone this week with a presentation on understanding genomics.
He repeatedly pointed out that genomics (DNA) was 100% accurate, so much so that it was used to put humans on death row.
Because DNA is unique to each individual, full traceability could be achieved where animals had been genomically tested, which would be potentially useful in combatting stock theft.
Berry also answered the question as to why full siblings could have differing index values.
Colm Cooper
He said that the DNA which a parent transmits to their offspring is not always consistent, using the example of Kerry’s Colm Cooper being the only footballer to come from a large family.
Rustling continues to be an issue for many farmers, particularly in the border region.
In 2015, some 204 animals were reported stolen, significantly up from 146 in 2014.
As recently as two weeks ago, a sheep farmer in Co Tipperary offered a reward of €2,000 following the theft of 100 of his sheep.
SHARING OPTIONS: