DEAR SIR: Reading your article “Five-star progeny leaving €110 more profit”, I realised there was one glaring difference between the two bulls that was not highlighted by the article – the influence of the dam.

Based on the data presented, I identified the two bulls which were slaughtered as part of the May 2017 run.

The AHZ-sired animal was reported to have left €110 more profit than the YHB-sired bull.

However, if we are to follow ICBF’s breeding advice, his dam (IE321607550043) should never have been bred (with a replacement index of €25 she is in the bottom 11% of the national herd).

By comparison, the dam (IE301031561379) of the YHB bull has a breeding value of €157 and is in the top 3%.

Negative effect

This is an example of the negative effect the replacement index and BDGP scheme is having on the quality stock being produced from the suckler herd.

We are being advised to slaughter the very cows that are producing some of the most profitable carcases.