1. 2015 – 2020 Beef Data Genomics Programme October/November 2015 Information Sessions

2. Introduction Introduced as part of new measures agreed under RDP 2014 – 2020 Programme is for a period of six years and available funds are €300m. Approximately 29,770 applications received involving circa 560,000 animals Applicant must commit to six years. However flexibilities will be applied. Will be discussed later

3. BDGP Objectives To lower the intensity of Greenhouse Gas Emissions by improving quality and efficiency on national beef herd Improve the genetic merit of the national beef herd through collection of data and genotypes of selected animals which will allow for genomic selection in the beef herd

4. BDGP Reference Year Reference year is 2014 (In limited circumstances 2015 can be requested as the reference year) No of calved cows in 2014 will be the number of reference animals No of forage hectares declared on 2014 SPS will establish eligible forage area Payment will be made on the Maximum Payable Area (MPA) = Number of reference cows divided by a S/D of 1.5

5. BDGP Payment/ Land Requirements €142.50 for the first 6.66 H/A’s and €120 for the remaining H/A’s. Must submit a valid BPS application declaring all land parcels each year Requirement to maintain a minimum of 80% of the reference area known as the MPA. Must also retain 60% of the number of reference animals each year for genotyping without repetition

6. Requirement 1 – Calving Details Tag and register all calves within 27 days of birth. Provide sire number or A.I. Code (where bulls are leased AIM requirements must be met) Complete calving survey

7. Requirement 2 - Surveys Complete surveys Calf – docility, vitality, size, quality and health traits Calves must be kept until at least 5 months old to record data – data not reliable if completed earlier Cow – Milk score, docility and culling reasons Bull – docility, functionality and culling reasons

8. Requirement 3 - Genotyping Genotype specified animals (as determined by the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation) Send selected samples for DNA testing to the appropriate laboratories. Must have 60% of reference animals available each year without repetition

9. Requirement 4 – Replacement Strategy Bulls From 30/06/2016,if renting in bulls, must use a 4 or 5 star bull Must provide notice to DAFM of intention to lease bulls by 30/06/16 Must have at least one designated 4 or 5 star bull on holding from 30/06/2019 to 30/06/20 AI. From 30/06/16, at least 80% used must be from 4 or 5 stars bulls Do not have to be pedigree

10. Replacement Strategy (cont) Heifers, can be purchased or bred by farmer Must be 4/5 star on replacement index Must be at least 16 months old and born in 2013 or later, if not in the herd by the closing date of 5 June 2015 On 31 October 2018 replacement females must equal 20% of the number of the reference animals On 31 October 2020 replacement females must equal 50% of the number of the reference animals

11. Requirement 5 – Carbon Navigator (Carbon Navigator) A farm management package developed by Bord/Bia and Teagasc which quantifies environmental gain that can be made by setting targets in key areas such as grazing season Must be completed by 31 October 2016 in conjunction with advisor Subsequent years ICBF will issue (survey) forms to enable carbon navigator to be updated annually

12. Requirement 6 – General Training Training course to be completed by 31 st October 2016 Payment of €166 will be made to applicants on completion of this course and will be paid directly to the applicant by the approved trainer Applicants will be notified of the details of the training sessions. Training course to be completed by 31 st October 2016.Payment of €166 will be made to applicants on completion of this course

13. Remember… The application submitted in May/June 2015 was the application to participate in the Programme. The application for payment under this Programme is the annual BPS application. Ensure you adhere to the BVD requirements on an ongoing basis. Payment will be made on your MPA each year once commitments have been undertaken.

14. Flexibilities Withdrawals : Withdraw up to payment or notification of inspection. Withdraw without recoupment if land disposed of. If 80% of your MPA is retained you must continue with the Programme Withdraw on grounds of Force Majeure

15. What can/will Dept do Continue to communicate with farmers - information notes, text messages, Press releases etc. DAFM and ICBF lo-call help-lines. Attend events relevant such as farm walks, Ploughing Counter service. Website updated regularly with up to date information.

16. Help us pay you For 2015 Ensure the animals selected for genotyping are tagged and samples returned as soon as possible. If selected animals are dead/moved request substitute samples immediately from ICBF. Complete and return your commitment forms as soon as possible.

17. 2015 payments... Payments will commence in December for those herds who have complied fully with the Programme requirements. Payments will be made on a continuous basis as herds become eligible throughout the Programme

18. Going Forward For 2016 : Return all data and samples as soon as possible. Complete carbon navigator Undertake training early This will avoid last minute rush and possible delay of your 2016 payment

19. THANK YOU

20. Understanding €uro-Stars

21. The ideal suckler cow. The ideal suckler cow must; –Calve herself. –Calve each year. –Have enough milk to rear her calf. –Be not too big. –Have a good quality calf at foot. In summary, a “balanced” cow. –We all have these cows => need more! 21

22. A balanced cow! 22

23. A 5-Star cow. 23

24. The Replacement Index. TraitGoalRelative wt CalvingLess16% Feed IntakeLess18% Carcass wt (for age)More21% Maternal milkMore18% Female fertilityMore23% DocilityMore4% Emphasis: Cow traits 71% Calf traits 29%

25. 25 Fertility: Case Study 2 x 20 Cow Suckler Herds 1.High Fertility Herd – 0.95 calves/cow/year. – 20 cows producing 19 calves. – Avg. weaning weight 350 kg. Total weaning weight produced = 6,650 kg 2. Low Fertility Herd – 0.7 calves/cow/year. – 20 cows producing 14 calves. – Avg. weaning weight 400 kg. Total weaning weight produced = 5,600 kg 1,050 kg more from High Fertility Herd. @ €2.20 kg weanling price = €2,310

26. 26 Estimating €uro-Stars? How do ICBF estimate €uro-Stars for my cows. –BDGP reports. –Cow at ploughing.

27. BDGP Reports. 27

28. How are €uro-Stars calculated? €uro-Star indexes are based on; –Ancestry (sire + dam) –Animal performance, including that of ancestors. In future, €uro-Star indexes will also include a prediction of performance based on the animals genotype. 28

29. What does the €uro-Star mean? The “€uro” part. –The additional profit that an animal (male or female) will deliver compared to another animal (male or female). The “star” part. –Animals are ranked into “20-percentiles” –For example, 5-star => top 20%, 3- star=average, 1 star=> bottom 20%. 29

30. Example cow from Ploughing 30

31. Do the €uro-Stars work? Analysis of Data from Existing BDGP Herds. 29,502 herds in BDGP. –104,269 suckler females that were born in 2008 and entered these herds as suckler herd replacements. Analysis based on; –Value of weanling progeny. –Value of animals at slaughter. 31

32. Some “high-level” questions. Of the 104k females, what % were: –Home-bred? –AI bred? –Dairy-bred? –Still alive? Which breed combination was most popular? 32 QuestionAnswer Home-bred60% AI-bred24% Dairy-bred23% Still alive65% BreedLM * LM

33. Weanling Performance; 5 star versus 1 star. 5 star cows had more progeny, lasted longer, had heavier weanlings (albeit at lower price/kg) and generated €28 more per weanling but €606 more profit to-date. 33

34. Carcass performance. 5 star cows versus 1 star cows. 5 star cows had highest total output, with lowest input (-40 days on age at slaughter), compared to 1 star. 34

35. Replacement index; More output from less input. + 30 kg at weaning - 26 kg lighter Replacement index; More output from less input.

36. There are 4/5 star cows across all of the breeds 36 Based on 104k 2008 born replacement females.

37. What is genomics? “By taking a tissue sample, ICBF can assess the animals DNA and in doing so predict expected performance based on knowledge of how similar DNA (from other animals) has performed on Irish farms in the past” This is added to the existing €uro- Star of the animal => more accurate evaluation. 37

38. Summary. €uro-Star indexes are a key tool when making breeding decisions. –AI bulls, stock bulls &/or females. 5 star cows => the balanced cow. –5-star animals will leave an additional €100/progeny compared to average animals => profitability. –They will produce more overall output from less overall input => sustainability. 38

39. Beef Data & Genomics Programme Information Meetings 2015 Teagasc Beef Specialists

40. Overview Scheme Requirements Information Received to Date Meeting the Breeding Targets What is the next steps

41. 41 Requirement 1- Calving Details Same as Beef Data Programme Calving Ease Survey for each calf i.e. Animal Events sheet. In addition to normal tagging & registration requirements Using any one of the following methods: – www.agfood.ie – Department approved farm software providers – The ICBF Animal Events System – animal events book as provided by the ICBF As per the Suckler Scheme and last years Beef Data Programme

42. 42 Requirement 2 - Surveys Same as Beef Data Programme (calf quality, calf docility, cow milk ability, cow temperament), with some additional information required e.g. calf size and vitality, cow/bull culling reasons. Complete survey forms in respect of all cows, calves and stock bulls on his/her holding annually. Farmers provided with notebooks for daily field recording (e.g. details of calf size and vigour). Forms now out and need to be completed As per the Suckler Scheme and last years Beef Data Programme

43. 43 Requirement 3 - Genotyping Same approach as Beef Genomics Scheme; with increase in numbers. ICBF will select animals to be genotyped in each herd and will notify owners of the animals selected. Tissue tags will be supplied to the applicant for this purpose. Number = 60% of the number of calved suckler cows on the holding in 2014. Similar to BGS in 2014 i.e.15% of payment –e.g. farmer with 15 reference animals in 2014 will genotype 9 animals (cows, heifers, calves or stock bulls) each year Genotyping Cost €22/sample Last year a 20 cow herds would have genotyped 4 animals, under this scheme a 20 cow herd will genotype 12 animals

44. 44 Requirement 4 - Replacement Strategy ( i) Male replacements For applicants using a stock bull, at least one stock bull on the holding on 30 th June 2019 must have been a genotyped 4 or 5 star bull on either the Terminal or Replacement index – Where it is replaced in the period to 30 th June 2020, it must be replaced by a bull of equivalent genetic merit. Renting in bulls – inform DAFM before 30 th June 2016 and continue to use 4 or 5 star bulls for duration of Programme. – compliance with animal health and movement legislation – must have cleared a premovement test for TB and BVD. At least 80% of the AI used on participating holdings must be from 4 or 5 star bulls on either the Terminal or Replacement index – applies from 30 th June 2016 About 75% of 2014 BGS Herds already have a compliant bull.

45. 45 Requirement 4 - Replacement Strategy (ii) Female replacements Criteria for replacements 4 or 5 stars on the replacement index at the time of purchase (for heifers brought into the herd) or at the time of genotyping (for those replacements bred within the herd). –Provision for purchasing non-genotyped heifers purchased by farmer. At least 16 months old Numbers to be achieved The number of heifers/eligible suckler cows meeting these criteria must On 31 st October 2018 = 20% of number of applicant’s reference animals On 31 st October 2020 = 50% of the number of applicant’s reference animals. –e.g. a farmer with 20 calved suckler cows in 2014 must have 10 females meeting these criteria by 31 st October 2020 About 50% of 2014 BGS Herds would currently meet the 2018 Requirement, about 30% would meet the 2019 requirement. (With a replacement rate of 15%, a herd will be normally replacing 18 of 20 cows in the scheme period.)

46. Requirements 5 & 6 – Carbon Navigator & Training Course Carbon Navigator – farm management tool which estimates the potential financial savings and green house gas reductions that could be made on each farm (i) Complete a Carbon Navigator with an approved advisor by 31 st October 2016 and update annually. –DAFM covers the cost of the advisor Training Course Farmers must attend an approved BDGP training course before 31 st October 2016. –Farmer receives €166 for participation –Cost of training covered by DAFM

47. Last 10 Years Reduced Slaughter Age by One Month Increased Carcass Weight in Bulls by 40Kg

48. Reference Number No. of 4 & 5 Star animals in the Herd

49. Example No. Suckler Calf Births 201416 No. Genotype Samples per Annum10 animals (16 cows x 60%) Max. Payable Area required10.66 ha. (16 cows / 1.5 cows /ha.) Min. Forage ha. required8.53 ha. (10.66 ha. x 80%) (1) Reference Cows & Payment Max. Payment€1,430 (minus genotyping cost €220) On Forage Area (6.66ha. X €142.50) + (4 ha. x €120)= €1429.05 On Cows (10 cows x €95) + (6 cows x €80)= €1,430

50. Example 10 Animals to be Genotyped each year (cost €220) Which Animals will be Genotyped? ICBF will nominate the 10 animals /annum What Animals for Genotyping? In 2015 priority was given to; Any stock bull not yet genotyped 4/5 star cows not yet genotyped, especially younger cows 4/5 star heifers born in Spring 2015.

51. Some Breeds will have Higher Replacement Index Values than Others €74 is starting value for 4 Star

52. Current stock bull will qualify for 30 th June 2019 Requirement High on Terminal Index €142 (Top 1%) Low in Replacement Index €45 (Bottom 30%) Young Bull 2012 born Stock Bull will be of Limited Value to Breed Replacement 4 & 5 Star females in this herd Bull Details

53. Selecting Bulls to Improve the Replacement Index Need to aim for a Replacement Index Value of above €74 Quality of the bull used will depend on current female values in the herd Bull will contribute Half the Value to the Progeny €140 RI value bull will contribute €70 €30 RI value bull will contribute €15 Example Cow RI Value €80 X Bull RI Value €102 (50% Cow value = €40) ( 50% Bull Value = €51) Progeny Replacement Value (€40 + €51) = €91

54. 12 Animals Currently 4 & 5 Star Current Cow & Heifer Position

55. 2 Five star Cows Born in ’04 &’08

56. Issues with the Current Herd 12 Animals currently 4 & 5 Star in the herd Will be required to have at least 8 genotyped 4 & 5 star animals by 31/10/2020 Top 2 cows only suitable with current stock bull to breed replacements Top Cow RI Value €146 2nd Cow RI Value €114 3rd Cow RI Value €98 X Lim Bull RI Value €45 Progeny A € 95 Progeny B € 79 Progeny C € 72

57. Options to Breed more 4 & 5 Star animals Issues with the Current Herd Consider using High Reliability High Index AI sire on top cows Bulls genotyped and higher reliability Choose from variety of breeds Can maintain a closed herd

58. Options to Breed more 4 & 5 Star animals Issues with the Current Herd If Replacing stock bull get a high replacement index genotyped bull (+€80) Need a genotyped animal Replacement value may be limited if you choose to stay with a specific breed Herd more vulnerable to bringing in disease

59. Options to Breed more 4 & 5 Star animals Issues with the Current Herd Look to source heifers from other herds (suckler or dairy cross) Marts will start to display heifers Indices Have some members in your discussion got surplus heifers May be only real option if the current cow base is low Herd will be more exposed to disease

60. 1.Fill out the survey sheets on paper or online (Payments for 2015 will issue from mid December) Next steps??? Cow Data

61. Bull Data Calf Data

62. 2. Tag the nominated animals for genotyping and return the samples

63. 3. Go through your Eurostar Report & discuss with your Adviser What is the current position in your herd? (Cows/Heifers/Stock Bull) How will I ensure that I meet the female targets in 2018 and 2020? Will I need to use AI? Is it an option for me Can I breed my own replacement heifers? Am I better off buying in Replacements? When I come to replace my stock Bull what should I look for? Will I have surplus 4 & 5 star heifers to sell on? What should I do with my 1 & 2 Star cows? Are some of my animals likely to change once they are genotyped? There are many questions to be answered Start Planning Now!!

64. Thank You

65. Why target 4 & 5 Star Animals

66. 66 Changes in Replacement Index.

67. Terminal Index €30 Replacement index €100 Current Replacement Index Key traits: Early maturity, calving ease, milk, fertility, survival, maintenance cost Key traits: Early maturity, calving ease, milk, fertility, survival, maintentance cost 50% females Key traits: calving gestation mortality docility Feed intake carcass 50% males Start Point: When you decide on a bull it’s profit per calf born. + Key traits: calving gestation mortality docility Feed intake carcass

68. New Replacement Index Key traits: Early maturity, calving ease, milk, fertility, survival, maintentance cost Key traits: Early maturity, calving ease, milk, fertility, survival, maintentance cost 50% females Start Point: When the female is being selected for breeding. + Key traits: calving gestation mortality docility Feed intake carcass