Animal Research Programme - Genetic Improvement of Dairy Cattle RMIS No. 5889 Title : National breeding objective and breeding programs for dairy and beef cattle in

Researchers at Moorepark, through RMIS 5392, have played a major role in the past number of years in the development of the national breeding index for dairy (Economic Breeding Index) and beef cattle (Suckler Beef Value) in Ireland. Additionally, in collaboration with the national cattle breeding center (NCBC) and the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation (ICBF) methodology was put in place to identify genetically superior dams and to contract mate these dams to generate high genetic merit offspring for inclusion in a progeny testing program. This proposed RMIS is a continuation of RMIS 5392. This proposed project will address all elements contributing to a successful breeding program in Ireland including the recording and definition of high quality phenotypes, development of advanced statistical models, estimation of genetic parameters, calculation of economic values, implementation into a national breeding objective, identification of superior germplasm, and dissemination of results to the stakeholders. This project is across both dairy and beef cattle and is vital to ensure the success and sustainability of a national breeding program. This RMIS will be closely liked with RMIS: 5666, 5791 and 5883.