Mr. Sean Coughlan:

In any analysis one chooses to undertake, at a national level five-star animals consistently out-perform one-star animals, whether in terms of weight gain, carcass quality, calving difficulties, cow milk, cow fertility or any other trait. This should not be surprising. The basic genetic evaluation models being used have been well proved internationally and are used across species. If we combine this with good quantities and quality of data, we have a sound basis for confidence in the figures produced. Each evaluation is provided in conjunction with a reliability figure, which indicates the level of data and confidence in that evaluation and the likelihood of subsequent movement in it. The better the quantity and quality of data, the higher the reliability of the evaluation. Of course, there will be anomalies where one-star animals perform well - that will always be the case - but in building a more sustainable and profitable industry we need a strategy of pursuing the highest star ratings possible.

Are the evaluations trying to force a one-size-fits-all approach on participants in the scheme, despite the fact that they are operating in different farming environments, for example, land types and systems such as weanling or calf-to-beef systems? This is absolutely not the case. The economic model developed by Teagasc that underpins the calculation of the Euro-star rating means that animals with different characteristics can be profitable and, therefore, have high star ratings. Hence, we have animals from all breeds with high and low star ratings. There is often more variation within than across breeds.

What is genotyping and why is it useful? Why do we need a 60% genotyping figure? Genotyping is the process by which a tissue sample - in the context of the genomics scheme, it is an ear notch - taken from an animal is used to generate its DNA profile. This DNA profile can then be used to further enhance the accuracy of the genetic merit of an animal. For example, it can predict the genetic merit in terms of fertility when an animal is only a few days old at a level that would typically only be available at the end of its lifetime.

Why do we need to genotype 60% of the reference animals? To ensure we are making the most accurate selections possible in respect of replacement females, we need to genotype all female calves. This immediately takes us to a 50% genotyping requirement. We also need to ensure stock bulls coming onto farms are genotyped. We will want to continue to genotype cows on farms to ensure that where there are high performing cows, we get a picture of their DNA and build their records into the training population for genomic calculations. In a small number of cases some male animals may be genotyped. This will be useful in building further data on the terminal traits of animals.

Are there enough replacement bulls and heifers with the required star ratings? There are more than enough replacements to meet the requirements of the scheme. Typically, approximately 40% of the females born each year will be four and five star, of which less than half will be required as replacements. We are running a 16% replacement rate approximately, which figure has been reasonably consistent in recent years.

For those who wish to breed their own rather than buy replacements, there will be more of a challenge, especially where they cannot or do not wish to use artificial insemination. However, it is still possible. There are stock bulls in each of the breeds which can deliver four or five-star replacements. This is where pedigree breeders have a key role to play in delivering such animals to the industry.

What happens when the Euro-Star indexes move? I emphasise the word "when". The first thing to note is that the indexes will move. Some will move more than others, but they will move. That is the case for dairy animals, sheep, pigs and chickens. Beef will be no different. The key from a scheme perspective is that once an animal has a four or five-star index at the required time, in other words, when it is genotyped, it will be eligible, even if it subsequently drops to a three-star rating.

I wish to note a point about imported genetics. Imported genetics will continue to have an ongoing role in bringing new bloodlines to the national cattle population. In 2014, 60% of the imported artificial insemination bulls were of a four or five-star rating. We have made significant progress in recent months in having the ability to provide more accurate evaluations of animals being imported based on their genetic indexes in their country of origin, but there is more work to be done. The relevant breeding societies have a key role to play in securing data flows from their sister organisations in other countries. We are confident in the ability of genetics to deliver improved profitability for suckler cow farmers. As a result, we strongly believe the scheme has the capacity to deliver significant long-term benefits to the suckler cow industry, well beyond the six year timelines of the scheme.