The Irish Cattle Breeding Federation (ICBF) provides a range of cattle breeding services to farmers, the cattle breeding industry and dairy and meat processors. In 2020, ICBF licensed technology that had been co-developed through research carried out between ICBF and Teagasc within the Enterprise Ireland-funded technology centre, Meat Technology Ireland (MTI). The technology licensed has allowed ICBF to develop and launch the Beef Eating Quality Index – the world’s first national multi-breed genomic evaluation for sensory-based meat-eating quality. Use of this Index means that meat-eating quality of the Irish national herd will systematically improve through genetic improvement without sacrificing breeding traits, ensuring consumers of Irish beef around the world can expect the very best and safeguarding the best export outlets for Irish beef. ICBF continues to collaborate on research with partners at Teagasc and Meat Technology Ireland.
“The launch of this Beef Eating Quality Index is a significant occasion realised through strong collaboration between the meat industry, Enterprise Ireland, the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation and Teagasc in the delivery of the world’s first national multi-breed genomic evaluation for sensory-based meat-eating quality.” ICBF Technical Director – Andrew Cromie
Published: 2021
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