Using BDGP (Beef Data and Genomics Programme) and BEEP-S (Beef Environmental Efficiency Programme-Suckler) to improve productive and environmental efficiency in beef herds
Using BDGP (Beef Data and Genomics Programme) and BEEP-S (Beef Environmental Efficiency Programme-Suckler) to improve productive and environmental efficiency in beef herds
Angus Woods, an Irish mixed suckler to beef, sheep and tillage farm, participates in the BDGP- and BEEP-S scheme, where the two main objectives are to lower the intensity of GHG emissions by improving the efficiency of the beef herd and to improve the genetic merit of the beef herd through the collection of data and genotypes of selected animals. These schemes involve various commitments by the farmer, which have to be implemented on farm over the period, such as: genotypying of females, using breeding replacements of high genetic merit with equally high genetic merit sires, weighing of cow and her calf , monitoring parasite control and suppplementation of calves at weaning. The constant measurements taken through the BDGP scheme enabled significant genetic improvement of the national herd. For example, due to the emphasis on high genetic merit females the calving rate of tne beef herd increased while sire selection also improved, which in turn reduced calving difficulties and improved maternal traits in the cow herd. Some of the main challenges for farmers included recording the data, meeting deadlines and getting familiar with a new technology which adopts a scientific approach towards assessing breeding performance.It is worth noting that training also helped the implementation. Some lessons were learned from implementing the schemes. For example a scientific approach towards breed improvement is essential and undertaking accurate measurement is essential to make progress on genetics and thus technical performance and the carbon footprint of beef farms. However, a national Government/EU funded scheme is vital to drive progress on such longer term issues like genetic gain and carbon footprint.
BovINE - Beef Innovation Network Europe
Ongoing | 2020-2022
- Main funding source
- Horizon 2020 (EU Research and Innovation Programme)
- Geographical location
- Ireland