The Irish Cattle Breeding Federation (ICBF) has updated Euro-Star details on mart display boards for beef females.

The Euro-Star information will now declare if an animal is eligible for inclusion in BDGP genotype herd targets on 31 October 2020.

A spokesperson for ICBF said: “This removes the need for the purchaser to worry about date of birth, star rating and genomic status.

“Females that are defined as ‘BDGP Eligible – Yes’ are meeting all the criteria and the farmer can purchase them knowing that they will be counted towards their genotyped four or five star females target on 31 October 2020.”

August evaluations

The August 2020 evaluation figures for all dairy and beef animals were published on 4 August. The ICBF Animal Search, Active Bull Lists and Stock Bull Finder have all been updated.

The farmer can purchase them knowing that they will be counted towards their genotyped four or five star females target

ICBF explains that farmers subscribed to the HerdPlus service can view their animal’s new evaluation figures through the various online profiles, while farmers who have granted ICBF permission to send updates by text will be notified as updated reports are available online. The next evaluation publication date is set for 6 October 2020.

November evaluation

It is also worth reminding farmers participating in BDGP that the Department of Agriculture recently agreed to allow the November 2020 evaluation be included for the purposes of BDGP eligibility.

Animals who qualify in the November evaluation on 24 November can contribute to the herd target on 31 October of 50% of the reference number of females’ genotypes

Animals will still have to be in the herd on 31 October to be included in the herd targets, but it means that animals who qualify in the November evaluation on 24 November can contribute to the herd target on 31 October of 50% of the reference number of females’ genotypes as four or five star on the replacement index.

It gives farmers extra time to request and return new or outstanding tissue tag or hair samples.

ICBF are encouraging farmers to return samples as soon as possible, with a deadline of 9 September for inclusion.

ICBF encourage farmers with any queries on evaluation figures to make contact on 023-8820452 or email query@icbf.com.