'Next Generation' herd plans take another turn

The Irish Farmers Journal understands that the plan to get a 'Next Generation' herd of top genetics established has taken another unexpected turn this week.

The proposed formation of a fund and independent company to lead the project, backed up by Teagasc and ICBF, as described last week in the Irish Farmers Journal, will now not go ahead pending the outcome of a breeding industry meeting last night (Wednesday).

Industry sources suggested last week that a group of independent shareholders (dairy farmers) and a number of the AI companies would come together to fund the research proposal.

Further discussions this week identified a number of unavoidable obstacles that would hamper the formation and creation of the research project in time for this year.

As a result, we understand that Teagasc will try to establish the herd from existing resources within the State research and advisory body. This year they may look to source some of the best maiden heifers around Ireland to take part in the trial.

The objective of the Next Generation project is to establish a herd of top genetics (top 3% in Ireland) so that they can be accurately measured and monitored. Why? As we all know, genomic selection is increasing the pace of selection so one of the fears is that if we are moving very fast in one direction when we could be going in the wrong direction for other traits. Therefore, we need accurate measurement of traits in a commercial herd of the top genetics in a controlled research herd.