DNA

Hidden DNA traces sheep pox back at least 3,500 years

DNA recovered from medieval manuscripts and ancient sheep remains has revealed that the sheep pox virus has been affecting livestock for thousands of years.

NEWS 2 September 2026

Hidden DNA traces sheep pox back at least 3,500 years

MOST READ STORIES

1

2

3

4

5

National Genotyping Programme tops the 1m-cow mark

National Genotyping Programme tops the 1m-cow mark

NEWS 27 May 2026

Unlimited fines for dog attacks

Unlimited fines for dog attacks

DEALER 18 March 2026

Number of samples arriving at ICBF up 20% year on year

Number of samples arriving at ICBF up 20% year on year

Number of samples arriving at ICBF up 20% year on year

NEWS 7 March 2026

ICBF urging regular posting of samples to avoid delays

ICBF urging regular posting of samples to avoid delays

ICBF urging regular posting of samples to avoid delays

NEWS 14 February 2026

ADVERTISEMENT

Over 30,000 calf samples sent for genotyping last week

Over 30,000 calf samples sent for genotyping last week

Since 3 February 2026, the cost of sending calf DNA samples increased by 55c, from €2.95 to €3.50.

NEWS 1 October 2025

Understanding the importance of number of lambs born

Understanding the importance of number of lambs born

Sean Godfrey, Sheep Ireland outlines why the number of lambs born matters for commercial farmers and gives an update on the Oviflock Project.

LAMBING 1 October 2025

Gene-editing, new genomic techniques - what, why and how they are different?

Gene-editing, new genomic techniques - what, why and how they are different?

Ewen Mullins is the head of crop science at Oak Park and specialises in researching genomic techniques. He answers commonly asked questions in this article.

NEWS 1 October 2025

An Post increases the cost of sample postage by 19%

An Post increases the cost of sample postage by 19%

Farmers face increased postage charges as An Post increase the price of posting tissue samples to BVD and genotyping testing labs.

CALVES 1 October 2025

850,000 samples genotyped so far in 2025

850,000 samples genotyped so far in 2025

Aidan Brennan looks at some of the statistics from the National Genotyping Programme and asks what's going to happen when the programme ends.

TAGGING 1 October 2025

The science of breeding show calves

The science of breeding show calves

Prof David Kenny, head of the Teagasc Animal and Bioscience Research Department in Grange, Dunsany, Co Meath, takes a look at the science of breeding show calves.

BREEDING & HEALTH 1 October 2025

Bovine genetics linked to 15% of payments

Bovine genetics linked to 15% of payments

Participation in the bovine genetics project is to be one of three new conditions linked to area-based payments.

NORTHERN IRELAND 1 October 2025

SPONSORED

At the heart of the community: more than just a pub

The rural pub has been more than just somewhere to stop for a drink. It is a meeting place, a social outlet and an important part of community life, bringing together farmers, families & local groups.

At the heart of the community: more than just a pub

LOAD MORE STORIES