Weighing is a core action under the new Suckler Carbon Efficiency Programme (SCEP), making up to 20% of the yearly payment. The requirement is to weigh the cow and calf, on the same day. The calf must be over 50 days of age and not yet weaned from its dam. The ideal time to weigh is when the majority of calves are in the 5 to 8-month stage.
SCEP participants must weigh at least 80% of eligible animals born on the holding of the yearly reference number in each scheme year and their dams and submit weights to ICBF. The optimum time to weigh a cow and her calf is when the calf is between 150-250 days (5-8months) of age. Calves must be weighed before they are weaned. Autumn born 2023 suckler weanlings can now be weighed immediately as well early Spring born weanlings.
SCEP Weighing Requirements 2024
- Each live calf must be un-weaned and weighed with its dam on the applicants holding on the same day.
- Where a calf dies before five months of age or its dam, this must be recorded on AIM and the 80% does not include such a pair.
- Calves being submitted for weighing must have been born in the herd within each scheme year.
- All calves being submitted for weighing must be eligible for the scheme.
- All calves being submitted for weighing must be in the ownership and possession of the applicant since birth and maintained on the holding. It must be alive at the time of weighing.
- The calf must be a minimum of 50 days old before they are eligible to be weighed.
- Weights should be submitted to ICBF within seven days of weighing and no later than 1 November annually.
- Only registered scales used in accordance with the requirements may be used for the purpose of this programme;
- If you are recording weights online/electronically, the weights must be recorded in the ICBF database by 5:30pm on 1 November annually.
- If you are submitting weights by post, the forms must be received by ICBF by 5:30pm on 1 November annually.
What are the benefits of weighing cattle?
Weighing cattle is an important management tool within any herd. It provides accurate, animal-specific performance data which allows farmers to make more informed decisions – helping to improve both the productivity and efficiency of their cattle herd.
- Monitor Animal Performance – Regularly weighing cattle allows their performance to be assessed. This information can be used to highlight whether animals are meeting their daily liveweight gain targets and indicates management areas that may require attention.
- Improve Animal Health – Regularly weighing cattle may help to identify any underlying health issues at a very early stage. Under-performing animals who are failing to meet their growth targets can be easily identified and investigation carried out to determine the cause. Weighing cattle also allows for accurate administration of veterinary treatments. This helps prevent any under or overdosing of animals, which is beneficial in minimising the risk of antibiotic resistance occurring on farm.
- Forecast Optimum Time for Sale – Regular weighing of cattle allows stock to be sold/slaughtered at the optimum weight grade, ensuring maximum profitability.
Recording weights on ICBF
- Free ICBF weight recording app
- Online Services on icbf.com – Log In – ‘Services’ – ‘SCEP’ – ‘Record Calf and Dam Weights Yr. 2’.
- Record on Animal Events notebook and transfer online to www.ICBF.com afterwards
- Farm Software package.
- Weight Recording Form (if online is not an option). These can be requested from ICBF (023-8832883)
Links to download ICBF Weight recording app:
Apple – https://itunes.apple.com/ie/app/icbf-weight-recording/id1457570254?mt=8
Android – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=io.icbf.weight
Scales can be rented through 100 depots spread across the country in Co-Ops, Marts and FRS offices. Scales rented through the Cattle Weighing Scales Rental Service are automatically linked to your herd.
To hire a scales, go to Cattle Weighing Scales Rental Service. Please note: availability may be limited in the final few weeks so it is imperative to book your scales asap.
Don’t forget to register your scales!
Farmers need to register their weighing scales on ICBF if not already done so. This is important for farmers who may have recently purchased weighing scales.
If borrowing a scales, the ICBF scales reference number is required before any SCEP weighing forms can be posted to farmers.
The borrowed scales reference number can also be logged online for farmers who wish to record their weight data online.
If you have any queries on the SCEP program or need to book a scales, please call 023-8832883 or email [email protected] . Alternatively, help videos are available on how to weigh and record the weight data on the ICBF YouTube channel .