DAERA Minister welcomes launch of the next phase of the Bovine Genetics Project
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A new online Livestock Genetics portal and the eagerly awaited cattle genotyping scheme were both launched today at the Balmoral Show.
The Bovine Genetics Project (BGP) user portal was officially launched by DAERA Minister Andrew Muir, Sustainable Ruminant Genetics (SRG) and stakeholders who received a demonstration of the Bovine Genetics Project services available to farmers.
Welcoming the initiative, Minister Muir told guests: “This ambitious and transformative project, which is an exemplar of collaboration between government and industry, will support a more resilient, efficient and environmentally sustainable bovine livestock sector. This initiative is a good example of how we can use science and evidence for the benefit of the industry.”
The Minister added: “Another significant milestone for the project will see the roll-out of the DAERA-funded cattle genotyping scheme, which will commence in September this year. This world-leading scheme will enable herd owners to improve the accuracy of breeding decisions by identifying traits, such as feed efficiency and health-related characteristics, at an earlier stage.”
Farmers can now register for the Bovine Genetics Project and access the user portal via the SRG website. Herd owners can access information on individual animal and herd performance, thereby using science, data and information to support more informed management decisions.
The information features indicators related to environmental sustainability, economic performance and animal health.
CAFRE is currently delivering training on how to use the portal to industry professionals including farm consultants and agents to enable them to assist farm business clients to register for the Bovine Genetics Project and gain full advantage of participation.
CAFRE will also be providing training to farmers from September 2026 which will be delivered through a combination of online and face-to-face formats.
Notes to editors:
- The Bovine Genetics Project is one of the measures being progressed through the DAERA Sustainable Agriculture Programme.
- The Bovine Genetics Project is a £60m project, delivered in partnership with industry through Sustainable Ruminant Genetics, which is focused on delivering more accessible genetic information to farmers which will enable them to make more informed long term breeding decisions.
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