Claire Kerrane (Roscommon-Galway, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

362. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to advise who compiles the beef indices put in place to determine star ratings for cows; how this is determined; what engagement is involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23821/24]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Irish Cattle Breeding Federation (ICBF) publishes the index values for all beef animals. The beef indices quantify the genetic component of an animal's performance across all traits of importance for Irish suckler farmers.

The economic values calculated by Teagasc underpin the weightings applied to the various traits in the development of the beef indices. Updates to the economic values in November 2023 arose from revisions to the Teagasc bio-economic model.

There are two overall beef indices - the Replacement index and the Terminal index, depending on breeding priority, i.e. the breeding of replacement animals or animals for slaughter.

There are 17 traits included in the Replacement Index. Each trait has its own Predicted Transmitting Ability (PTA). An animal's PTA is the amount of a trait that it can pass on to its progeny. The PTA for each trait is then multiplied by the Economic Weight. This generates a Euro value contribution for the trait. These values are then combined to add up to the Overall Replacement Index.

There are eight traits included in the Terminal Index and it is calculated in the same way as the Replacement Index.

In respect of engagement, ICBF has initiated a stakeholders forum to facilitate in-depth engagement with stakeholders. ICBF also operates a technical advisory group to ensure that breeding policies are best aligned to the achievement of a profitable and sustainable industry.