Sign-ups for the ICBF’s recently launched whole-herd performance recording (WHPR) programme have been higher than anticipated.

The WHPR was set to increase the data collection from pedigree herds. The programme was launched in the wake of an Irish Farmers Journal investigation, which showed some pedigree breeders were falsifying calving data.

Societies have shown hesitation since the onset with only the Limousin and Aubrac societies coming out publicly in favour of the programme. In total, the cattle-breeding organisation has seen 334 sign-ups across 12 breeds. Representing similar herd numbers as the previous maternal bull breeder programme.

The Limousin breed alone represents 170 herds where the breed is the most prominent, not accounting for any breeder who has signed up, which may have a Limousin herd running alongside another major pedigree breed.

Possible rate of 60%

It is likely, when taking these into account, that Limousin breeders would account for close to 60% of all sign-ups.

The information provided by ICBF indicates that just shy of 100% more sign-ups have being achieved by the breed, compared with the maternal beef programme, which 87 breeders took part in.

However with the Limousin society making the programme compulsory for any breeders wishing to exhibit at the premier sales from May onwards numbers from the breed were always going to see an increase.

Table 1 lists the number of breeder sign-ups for each breed. In total, from the 334 herds, close to 12,000 animals will be inspected – a significant increase on the 7,500 scored as part of the old programme. This gives an average herd size for sign-ups of 35 animals.