BQI makes a positive impact on bull selection

A recent survey has been completed to evaluate the impact of the measure which provided financial assistance to purchase a bull under the Beef Quality Initiative (BQI).  Farmers now recognise the value of such bulls, as 88 percent of the farmers surveyed stated they would purchase another elite or superior bull for use within their herd.

There was an excellent response to the survey, with 70 percent of farmers who purchased bulls through BQI providing CAFRE with valuable information.

One of the objectives of BQI is to promote the use of performance recorded bulls. BQI provides financial assistance towards the purchase of a bull for farmers who have successfully completed a Cattle Breed Improvement learning programme.

Bulls must be purchased within 3 years of completing this programme. All claims should be submitted within 28 days of purchase.

From the questionnaires received, 69 percent of the farmers are in full time beef production managing an average herd of 51 cows. Just over half the farms were in SDA.

The most common breed of bull purchased by the farmers surveyed was Charolais (48 percent) followed by Limousin (34 percent). Superior carcase was the most common bull type purchased under BQI, (accounting for 56 percent), while elite carcase bulls were also well represented with 27 percent.

Seamus Cullinan, from Fintona, availed of this financial assistance when he purchased an elite bull through BQI in April 2006. His bull, Craigatoke Virious, had muscle EBVs placing him in the top 1 percent of the breed. He also had a Milk EBV in the top 25 percent of the breed, making him a potentially a high quality all-round stock bull.

Seamus runs 55 cows, 20 of which are pedigree Limousin. Prior to purchasing the bull, he relied on A.I. to serve all his cows. As Seamus farms part-time, getting cows served was problematic and his calving period was becoming extended.

As the bull combined excellent visual conformation with high EBVs, Seamus decided to purchase him for use in his herd. He still intends to use A.I. on his top pedigree cows.

The bull has a Calving Value Index of +1, placing him in the top 25 percent of the Limousin breed for ease of calving. This has proved to be the case, as the bull is very easy calving, which is reassuring to Seamus when he is off farm at work.

The first calves where born in late March and calf quality is extremely good, suitable for either the pedigree or commercial market. The bull also has estimated growth rates in the top 1 percent of the breed,

Since the introduction of a stock bull, Seamus feels herd fertility has improved. Cows are coming back into heat quicker and are being served at optimum times. With his off farm employment, this was previously a problem. The calving periods will be more compact this autumn and next spring and allow for easier management of the herd.

For more information on the purchase of an elite or superior bull through BQI, please contact your local beef and sheep advisor, or BQI admin on 028 94 426 880.

Spring born calves from Craigatoke Virious

Craigatoke Virious, a BQI elite carcase sire, purchased by Seamus Cullinan