Purchase of a new bull through BQI

Profitable beef enterprises will be those focussed on maximising financial returns through selecting a bull with a high genetic merit. Traditionally bulls have been selected on physical looks, animal pedigree and breeder reputation. However, with improvements in recording technology, there is now more information available. Through EBVs it is possible to estimate a bull’s breeding potential by removing the environmental effects of production e.g. nutrition and management. Both commercial and pedigree breeders can now compare bulls within breeds and select a bull that will improve the performance and quality of calves being produced.

The Beef Quality Initiative (BQI) has provided suckler producers in Northern Ireland with an opportunity to assess genetic merit by promoting the use of Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs). For those who successfully completed a BQI learning programme financial assistance is available towards the purchase of a new performance recorded stock bull. The levels of financial assistance are outlined below:

Elite bulls are in the top 1percent of the breed and under BQI are classed as maternal or carcase bulls. They may be purchased in Northern Ireland or imported. Superior bulls are in the top 25 percent of the breed and can only be purchased in Northern Ireland. All Bulls must be purchased within three years of a representative of the business completing a beef cattle breed improvement programme.

Before purchasing a new bull, a few points should be considered.

Some breeders may wish to increase the mothering ability and milk yield of cows to increase weaning weights and reduce the need for creep feeding. These breeders should be selecting bulls with high maternal traits, such as 200day Milk EBV. A bull with a positive 200day Milk value will produce daughters with above average milk, an important trait when breeding heifer replacements. Information from the L.I.M.O. herd at CAFRE has shown that each 1KG increase in 200day Milk EBV resulted in 6 KG heavier calves at 200days.

Producers who sell calves at weaning should select a bull with a high 200day Growth EBV, whereas a high 400day growth EBV should be used by suckler to beef producers. Information from the L.I.M.O. herd has shown that each 1KG increase in 400day growth EBV is equivalent to 0.7 KG of increased carcase weight achieved by higher daily liveweight gains. Positive Muscle EBVs, for example, Muscle Depth or Eye Muscle Area will improve the carcase quality and increase the economic worth of the carcase.

Attention should also be focused on the Calving traits. The Calving Value is an assessment of an animal’s calving ability based on gestation length, birth weight and calving ease. A positive Calving Value will indicate calves that are born easily with reduced calving costs. Under BQI, bulls with a Calving Value in the bottom 1percent of the breed do not qualify for assistance.

If you are purchasing a bull under BQI, all claims should be submitted within 28 days of the purchase date to guarantee payment. Payment is made once the bull has completed a 300 day residency period and one payment is available per bull. For information on purchasing a bull through BQI, please contact BQI admin on 028 94 426880 or your local Beef and Sheep Development Advisor.

Final Year H.N.D. Agriculture students from the LIMO Project with LIMO Ali, a BQI elite carcase bull, who will be offered for sale at the N. Ireland Limousin Club autumn sale in Dungannon.