The Irish Cattle Breeding Federation (ICBF) will publish its final Genetic Evaluation of 2024 on November 26th, marking the sixth and last release for the year. The first evaluation of 2025 is scheduled for publication for March 25th. ICBF typically issues six evaluations annually, spaced approximately two months apart. However, in response to an increasing data flow — such as an eightfold rise in genotype volume in February 2024 compared to the previous 2 years — and growing demands on genotyping information in the evaluation process, ICBF is undertaking a major upgrade to its genetics infrastructure to improve output efficiencies and support long-term needs.
During this upgrade period, there may be intermittent disruptions to services. Notably, there will be no weekly update on newly genotyped animals the 22nd November 2024 – these to be included in the next weeks Friday publication pending the successful installation of hardware. ICBF will endeavour to continue releasing weekly updates on newly genotyped animals every Friday, where possible, to support continuity for farmers and industry stakeholders.
ICBF currently maintains one of the largest cattle genotype databases worldwide, now approaching 5 million genotypes from both dairy and beef cattle, 1 million of which were added in 2024 alone.
This extensive dataset enables ICBF to harness genomic selection effectively, identifying high-potential animals earlier in life and delivering substantial benefits to farmers, including enhanced accuracy of breeding values especially for young animals with limited performance data, accelerated genetic progress through faster identification of superior animals and shorter generation intervals, correcting parentage information, identification of major genes and allow for more selective mating and management decisions.
ICBF’s ongoing innovations in genetic evaluations supports Ireland’s cattle industry in driving genetic advancement, improving herd performance, and meeting future challenges in sustainable farming.
