The research has concluded that while there is much of value in existing genetic evaluation activities in NI, efforts have been fragmented and outcomes under-utilised.
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Recommendations on delivering genetic improvement within the beef, dairy and sheep sectors in Northern Ireland have been drawn up in a report by world renowned geneticists, AbacusBio.
Two representatives from the New Zealand-based company were in NI last week to brief invited stakeholders on their report, which was commissioned by the Agri-Food Strategy Board’s livestock genetics sub-group.
The research has concluded that while there is much of value in existing genetic evaluation activities in NI, efforts have been fragmented and outcomes under-utilised. Opportunities to maximise economic gain through improved genetics can be exploited by developing the management of data-collection on a more integrated basis via a single NI hub, as is already happening through the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation in the Republic. The proposed hub would generate information specific to NI conditions, to aid farm management decision-making, better management of animal health and disease and increased economic gain via genetic improvement.
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The challenge put forward by AbacusBio requires an organisation to take ownership of an industry-wide data hub to co-ordinate data collection services, provide genetic evaluation information and promote its use, and produce management information reports for the industry and individuals to use to deliver real economic gain for farmers as is seen in the south.
The Agri-Food Strategy Board is considering how this could be done and how it can be funded, with a case likely to be made to the Government for substantial support.
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Recommendations on delivering genetic improvement within the beef, dairy and sheep sectors in Northern Ireland have been drawn up in a report by world renowned geneticists, AbacusBio.
Two representatives from the New Zealand-based company were in NI last week to brief invited stakeholders on their report, which was commissioned by the Agri-Food Strategy Board’s livestock genetics sub-group.
The research has concluded that while there is much of value in existing genetic evaluation activities in NI, efforts have been fragmented and outcomes under-utilised. Opportunities to maximise economic gain through improved genetics can be exploited by developing the management of data-collection on a more integrated basis via a single NI hub, as is already happening through the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation in the Republic. The proposed hub would generate information specific to NI conditions, to aid farm management decision-making, better management of animal health and disease and increased economic gain via genetic improvement.
The challenge put forward by AbacusBio requires an organisation to take ownership of an industry-wide data hub to co-ordinate data collection services, provide genetic evaluation information and promote its use, and produce management information reports for the industry and individuals to use to deliver real economic gain for farmers as is seen in the south.
The Agri-Food Strategy Board is considering how this could be done and how it can be funded, with a case likely to be made to the Government for substantial support.
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