Beef Data Genomic Programme (BDGP)
2015-2020
Questions and Answers Document
This document should be read in conjunction with the Terms and
Conditions of the Programme
June 2015
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1. Introduction
2. General Queries
3. Specific Measures
3.1 Commitment 1 Calving details
3.2 Commitment 2 Surveys
3.3 Commitment 3 Genotyping
3.4 Commitment 4 Replacement Strategy
3.5 Commitment 5 Carbon Navigator
3.4 Commitment 6 Training
4. Penalties and Inspections
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1. Introduction
This Programme is co-funded by the European Union.
The objectives of the BDGP are:
1. To lower the intensity of GHG emissions by improving the quality and
efficiency of the national beef herd.
2. To improve the genetic merit of the national beef herd through the collection
of data and genotypes of selected animals which will allow for the application
of genomic selection in the beef herd.
2. General Queries
Where are all details of the Programme set out?
All details of programme are set out in the Terms & Conditions document which have
been posted out with the application forms for the programme. These Terms and
Conditions are also on www.agriculture.gov.ie.
How many cows will I be paid on each year?
Payment will be made on a per hectare basis, calculated on both the number of suckler
cows calved in 2014 (reference animals), and the net forage area applied for under
SPS 2014. The number of calved cows will be divided by 1.5 to establish the
maximum payable area (MPA). The payment is set at €142.50 per hectare for the first
6.66 hectares and €120 per hectare for the remaining hectares up to the maximum
payable area.
However, applicants must have enough breeding animals - cows, bulls, heifers and
calves- on the farm to ensure that 60% of the reference animals in 2014 are genotyped
each year of the programme, without duplication. Applicants must also ensure their
declared forage area for each year is not less than 80% of the maximum payable area,
which will be notified to each successful applicant.
Applicants will be informed of the number of hectares payable on their farm and the
number of animals which this calculation is based upon.
No. of calved cows
in 2014
5
10
15
20
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Conversion table
Maximum
No. of calved cows
Payable Area
in 2014
(hectares)
3.333
30
6.666
40
9.999
50
13.333
75
16.666
100
Maximum
Payable Area
(hectares)
20
26.666
33.333
50
66.666
Examples
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If an applicant had 10 calved cows in 2014 then his/her MPA is 6.66 hectares
Payment will not exceed 6.66 x €142.50 = €949
However if you have only 5 eligible hectares then payment will be 5 x €142.5
= €712.50
To be eligible for payment, at least 6 breeding animals, bulls, cows, heifers
and calves, must be available for genotyping each year. These animals cannot
have been genotyped previously.
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If an applicant had 16 calved cows in 2014 then his/her MPA is 10.66 hectares
Payment will be made at the rate of 6.66 x €142.50 = €949 and 4 x €120 =
€480. Total payment = €1,429
However, if you had only 7 eligible hectares then payment will be 6.66 x
€142.50 = €949 and 0.34 x €120 = €40.80
Total payment = €989.80
To be eligible for payment, at least 10 breeding animals, bulls, cows, heifers
and calves, must be available for genotyping each year. These animals cannot
have been genotyped previously.
What is the duration of the Programme?
It is a full six year programme although participants may leave in certain
circumstances. Participants will not be tied to the obligations of the programme or
subjected to clawbacks of monies paid in previous years where they cannot continue
with the programme due to situations such as:
o Force majeure – these are circumstances beyond the participant’s
control such as long term illness (professional incapacity) or animal
disease incidents.
o Sale or lease – participants can exit the BDGP without any clawback of
monies paid and without any further obligation in cases where they sell
or lease land – this is provided they do not have enough land remaining
after this sale or lease to allow you to continue in the BDGP, i.e. 80%
of Maximum Payable Area. Alternatively, the recipient of the land
(transferee) can take over the commitments of the BDGP after it is sold
or leased to him or her.
o Transfer by gift or inheritance – participants can exit the BDGP
without any clawback of monies paid and without any further
obligation in cases where they transfer land by gift or inheritance – this
is provided they do not have enough land remaining after this transfer
to allow you to continue in the BDGP, i.e. 80% of Maximum Payable
Area. Alternatively, the recipient of the land (transferee) can take over
the commitments of the BDGP after it is transferred to him or her.
Can you increase cow numbers during the six year programme?
Yes, but payment on this Programme will be restricted to the maximum payable area.
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Can you decrease cow numbers during the six year programme?
Yes, but you need to retain sufficient numbers of breeding stock to enable 60% of the
reference animals to be genotyped, without duplication, in each year of the
Programme.
Why is it based on the number of animals in 2014?
The year 2014 was chosen as the Department already has data for every applicant on
the land they declared and the number of cows that calved in their herd. This means
that payment can begin to be made to participants in December of this year which
would not be the case if we were to use 2015 as the base year.
Can I use 2015 [instead of 2014] as the basis of the initial calculation?
There are some individual circumstances where it would be more appropriate to use
2015 as the base year. The use of 2015 will be considered as an alternative, on a case
by case basis, for justified circumstances such as:
o Force majeure – where circumstances beyond your control, such as a
disease incident, impacted on your stock numbers in 2014
o New entrants – you are new to suckler farming and 2014 is not a
representative year
o Young farmers – you are a young farmer that has been expanding and 2014
is not a representative year
o Other circumstances which had an adverse impact on stocking levels in
2014
o Reducing farm size – you have reduced your farm size and the use of 2014
would already make you ineligible for the programme e.g. the land you
have declared in 2015 is already below that required under the programme.
The approval letter will explain how you can apply to have 2015 considered as the
base year for your farm.
Can I change mid-year, or at any time during the programme, from using the
Animal Events book to using online Registration?
Yes. Recording of all data online rather than on paper is a more efficient method for
farmers to submit data.
When will payment issue.
Payments will commence in December 2015 and applicants will be paid provided all
annual requirements are met.
3.1 Requirement 1 Calving details
When or where do I get the Animal Events Recording book?
If you are using one already, continue to use this. If you do not have one, contact
ICBF for a new book.
I am already using the ICBF Animal Events Recording book that I got through
the Suckler scheme or Beef Data Programme. Can I continue to use this?
Yes. Continue to use this until there are no more pages left. Once the book has been
used up fully, you can contact ICBF for a new book.
Data may also be recorded online either through;
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


www.agfood.ie
Department approved farm software providers
www.icbf.com
Will White cards still be sent out along with the calf tags?
White cards will still be sent out with the calf tags, but if a farmer is in the programme
and wishes to receive payment, he/she must register the calf through Animal Events
and not the white card.
What are the requirements for this Commitment?
Register all calves born within 27 days of birth, using the Animal Events book or
register online. Sire and calving details are also required.
What is the minimum age at which a calf can be sold?
Calves must be held and maintained on the holding for at least 5 months.
What data must be collected for 2015 born animals,?
All calves born from 1/1/15 in herds that are approved to join the programme must
have been registered using the Animal Events book. If you have already registered
animals on a white card, ICBF will request the additional data not included on the
white card.
Will I be paid in a situation where the calf dies shortly after birth?
Yes – once the calf is born into your herd on or after 01.01.15 and is tagged, sampled
for BVD and registered in accordance with the Regulations, and removed to a
knackery, abattoir or factory.
If the cow’s original calf dies, can the participant buy another calf to replace the
dead calf?
Yes, it will be permitted to do this. However the original calf must have been tagged
and registered in accordance with AIM rules and tested for BVD.
Will I be paid extra for twins?
No. Payment is made on the basis of the number of calved cows in 2014 and forage
land declared on the SPS application in 2014. Both calves must be registered in
accordance with the programme requirements and will also be subject to the annual
survey requirement.
If a cow has twins can I sell one of those calves?
Calves must be held and maintained on the holding for at least 5 months.
What happens with calves born by embryo transfer?
These calves must be registered in the same manner as all other calves
Is the payment increased if a cow calves twice in the one year?
No, payment is made on the basis of the number of calved cows in 2014 and forage
land declared on SPS application in 2014. However, both calves must be registered
and have survey data completed in the same manner as all other calves.
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3.2 Requirement 2 Surveys
What are the requirements?
ICBF will post out forms to each applicant. These requires details on the calves, cows
and stock bull to be recorded and sent back to be included on the ICBF cattle breeding
database. These forms will start issuing in early Autumn 2015.
The details to be recorded may include, but may not be limited to;
Calves; scour and pneumonia quality and docility, calf size, calf vigour/vitality
Cows – milking ability and docility, cow culling reasons
Stock bulls – docility and functionality, bull culling reasons
Calves must be a minimum of 5 months old when completing surveys.
Can a farmer sell a cow and her calf and still receive payment?
Yes but it is a requirement of the programme that calves are retained for 5 months. In
addition, sufficient animals must also be kept to meet the genotyping and replacement
requirements of this programme.
Can I buy extra calves to put on my cows i.e. multiple suck a few calves on the
one cow?
Yes. No extra payment will apply however.
What if a cow dies/is sold shortly after calving?
Payment will be made, mindful of the genotyping/replacement requirements.
3.3 Requirement 3 Genotyping
What is Genotyping?
It involves the taking of a sample of tissue from the animal (which contains the
animals DNA) on the farm, and the analysis of that DNA in a laboratory which will
allow ICBF give a Genomic breeding value for that animal.
Why is it important?
It has been proven that the use of Genomic technology increases rapid genetic gain
(and farm profitability). The objective of this Programme is to facilitate and
encourage the use of Genomics in the Beef Herd.
What animals have to be sampled?
ICBF will select the animals to be sampled. The objective will be to ensure all stock
bulls are sampled, followed by cows and calves. The objective is to ensure the
highest quality female replacements are identified and used for breeding. All animals
specified must have a genotype sample taken. Genotype samples must be taken from
animals by use of the Genotype kits provided. Each Genotype tag is numbered to
correspond with the animals National ID tag number. Send sample units in the kits
provided in the pre-addressed envelopes within the timeframe specified in the
sampling kits.
How will I know what animals have to be sampled?
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ICBF will send out a list of animals to each herd, along with sampling kits.
What if one of the animals has been sold?
If one of the animals has been identified as sold prior to receiving the sampling kit,
then the farmer must immediately contact the ICBF to identify a replacement animal
for sampling.
Please explain the 60% genotyping requirement?
Each herd will have a number of eligible cows on which its payment is based (i.e., the
number of suckler cows with a calving on the farm in 2014). This number of cows
defines the level of genotyping that will be undertaken on the farm. The number to be
genotyped will be 60% of the number of eligible cows for each year of the
programme.
Therefore in a herd with 20 eligible cows, the programme will be genotyping 12
animals per year. The participant must retain 12 breeding animals, i.e. cows, calves,
heifers and bulls, that have not been previously genotyped, for genotyping each year
Who pays for the genotyping?
The cost of genotyping will be netted from the farmer payment at each relevant
payment run.
How much will I have to pay for genotyping?
The cost of the genotyping service is currently under tender. A final figure will be
known shortly however, it is expected to be lower than the €30 charged in the Beef
Genomic Scheme last year.
3.4 Requirement 4 – Replacement Strategy
Why is this included?
A key element of the Programme is the collection of data from farms across the
country to be used to generate breeding values by ICBF. It is also vital that farmers
then use both better quality males and females in the herd.
What is the requirement in relation to Bulls?
For applicants using a stock bull, at least one stock bull on the holding on 30th June
2019 must have been a genotyped 4 or 5 star bull on either the Terminal or
Replacement index (on a within or across breed basis) at the time of purchase. This
bull should be retained on the holding and where it is replaced in the period to 30th
June 2020, it must be replaced by a bull of equivalent genetic merit i.e. a genotyped 4
or 5 star bull on either the Terminal or Replacement index (on a within or across
breed basis) at the time of purchase.
Applicants using stock bulls are strongly advised to introduce 4 or 5 star bulls at the
next replacement date, to avoid compliance difficulties and potential clawback of
payments later in the Programme.
Any applicant renting in bulls for the purpose of breeding must, from the 30th June
2016, use bulls that are 4 or 5 star on either the Terminal or Replacement index (on a
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within or across breed basis). Programme applicants availing of this option must,
before 30th June 2016, inform DAFM of their intention to use leased bulls. All
movements of bulls for breeding between holdings must be notified to the AIM
system. Such leasing arrangements must be undertaken in compliance with animal
health and movement legislation and, specifically, these bulls must have cleared a premovement test for TB and BVD.
From 30th June 2016, 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 (on a within breed
or an across breed basis).
If a farmer buys a bull this year which is 4 star but subsequently gets reassessed
down to 3 star, will that farmer be affected?
A farmer using a stock bull must have a 4 or 5 star bull on his holding on the 30th of
June 2019 and retain until 30 June 2020. This bull will be eligible for the programme
provided that it was genotyped 4 or 5 stars at the time of purchase, regardless of
whether it is subsequently reassessed as the general index rises. If the 4 or 5 star bull
on the holding on 30 June 2019 is being replaced before 30 June 2020 it must be
replaced by another 4 or 5 star bull. The intention of the programme is to encourage
farmers to purchase 4 or 5 star bulls which can improve the quality of his/her herd,
and not to penalise farmers where this bull is subsequently reassessed downwards.
Where are the indexes set out for bulls?
All bulls entered in sales are entered in a catalogue, which shows all details of each
bull entered in that sale, including the index values. If a bull is being bought privately
then the index of that bull can be checked using the ICBF bull search facility at
www.icbf.com using the tag number of the bull.
Does the bull have to be purchased within the time frame of the programme?
No, a bull is eligible provided that he has been genotyped and given a 4 or 5 star
rating on either the Terminal or Replacement index and is on the holding between 30
June 2019 and 30 June 2020.
What about a pedigree breeder using his own replacement bull from his own
herd?
Pedigree bulls retained on the holding for breeding will be eligible, provided that they
meet the stock bull requirement (genotyped 4 or 5 star on either replacement or
terminal index, on either a within or across breed basis)
For AI-bred progeny, how do we define 80% AI?
This calculation will be based on progeny rather than recorded inseminations. DAFM
will count the number of progeny born from AI sires during the course of the
programme and the percentage of these that are from 4 & 5 star AI sires. This latter
figure is expected to be greater than 80%.
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What about farmers that are using both AI bulls and stock bulls?
In such circumstances, farmers must be compliant with both requirements.
How will we define a stock bull come 30 June 2019?
A stock bull will be defined as being one of the bulls in service on the herd on or after
30th June 2019. This stock bull must be at least 12 months of age on the date of
compliance i.e. June 30th 2019.
Does the sire (bull) have to be a purebred/pedigree bull?
No
Are all calves from an AI sire 5 star?
No, every animal has its own unique star rating at birth based on its own DNA, that of
its ancestry.
Are all calves from a pedigree bull at least 4 star?
No, every animal has its own unique star rating at birth based on its own DNA, that of
its ancestry.
What is the requirement in relation to Heifers?
Programme applicants are required to ensure that a percentage of their heifers/eligible
suckler cows (rounded to the nearest animal) are genotyped females that are:
(i) 4 or 5 stars on the replacement index (on a within breed or on a cross breed basis)
at the time of purchase (for heifers brought into the herd) or at the time of
genotyping (for those replacements bred within the herd). Where a nongenotyped replacement heifer is purchased, this animal must be subsequently
genotyped and confirmed 4 or 5 stars on the replacement index (on a within or an
across breed basis) before being deemed eligible for the Programme.
(ii) at least 16 months old and;
(iii) born in 2013 or later, if introduced into the herd after 5th June 2015.
The number of heifers/eligible suckler cows meeting these requirements on each
holding on 31st October 2018 must be equivalent to 20% of the number of the
applicant’s reference animals (advised to applicants upon acceptance into the
Programme), and on 31st October 2020 must be equivalent to 50% of the number of
the applicant’s reference animals.
Where are the indexes set out for heifers?
The ICBF are currently developing a system to allow farmers to check index values.
What if the rating of a 4 star cow is subsequently reduced to a lower rating?
The euro star rating of your cow is that given at the time of genotyping or that
applying at the time of purchase for animals that you source from outside your herd.
In some circumstances, the eurostar rating of these animals will increase or decrease
as the index evolves. However, these animals will continue to be eligible under the
programme provided they had a 4 or 5 star rating at the time the animal is originally
genotyped or at the time of purchase for those animals sourced outside the herd.
My system is based on purchasing first cross heifers from the dairy herd. Will I
have to stop doing this and breed from within the herd?
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No, you will not have to change your system. A high proportion of heifers coming
from the dairy herd are four or five star-rated as a result of favourable milk and
fertility traits.
Farmers are required to provide a large range of data through the programme.
Will they have access to this data?
The results of the genotyping and the information that farmers will need to ensure
they can comply with the programme requirements will be provided to all farmers in
the programme.
I know the ratings of my animals but I’m still not sure if my breeding policy will
result in sufficient numbers of 4 and 5 star animals. How can I ensure that I
comply?
Comprehensive training will be provided to every participant and this will address all
individual concerns regarding the required breeding strategy on each farm In addition,
a range of detailed information and advice will be provided to participants on an
ongoing basis throughout the programme.
3.5 Commitment 5 – Carbon Navigator
Why is this included?
This is an online farm management package, produced by Bord Bia and Teagasc,
which quantifies the environmental and economic gains that can be made on each
applicant’s farm by setting targets in key areas such as grazing season length.
What is the requirement?
The first completion of the Carbon Navigator must be undertaken in conjunction with
an approved advisor. The Department will cover the cost of the approved advisor for
the completion of the Carbon Navigator. The Department will contact applicants in
due course with a list of approved advisors.
Following on from the initial completion of the Carbon Navigator, applicants must
submit data annually to allow for an update of the carbon navigator. This data will be
submitted via survey forms issued by the ICBF to each applicant and will cover areas
such as (1) grazing season length, (2) fertiliser use, and (3) slurry spreading.
3.6 Commitment 6 - Training
What is involved in this Commitment?
Applicants must attend a specific training course of about 4 hour’s duration. The
training course is designed to provide:
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


An introduction to the BDGP;
Information on the individual requirements of the Programme, such as data
collection, genotyping, genomic indexes and the replacement strategy;
Information on controls, inspections and sanctions;
Training on the understanding and optimal use of breeding indexes, with a focus
on maternal traits and the linkage with on-farm carbon efficiency
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When does the farmer have to attend the course?
This training must be completed by 31st October 2016. The training will be facilitated
by a training provider approved by the Department following an open tender process.
Applicants will be provided with details of the training provider and course locations
following the completion of the tender process.
Will he get paid for attending the course?
Applicants will be paid €166 to cover the costs associated with participation in the
training. This money will be paid by the training provider directly to the Programme
applicant upon successful completion of the course.
Penalties and Inspections
Will I be inspected for this Programme?
Inspections in relation to BDGP will be undertaken on a proportion of holdings. It is
important to comply with all measures of the Programme as penalties for non
compliance etc. will be applied as outlined in the Terms and Conditions.
The penalties for non compliance are proportionate and consistent with the objectives
of the programme. The schedule of penalties can be found on page 15 of the Terms
and Conditions booklet.
Are BDGP penalties applied across other schemes?
Penalties are not applied across other schemes for non compliance with the
requirements of BDGP – a penalty in the BDGP will be applied once within the
BDGP scheme.
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