The development of effective ruminant breeding programmes in Ireland from science to practice

A genetic improvement programme is a sustainable, cumulative and permanent approach to achieving year-on-year performance gains. Its success predicated not only on an efficient effective breeding but also vision of the traits importance in future. single, industry-owned, centralised database for cattle sheep has been foundation programmes Ireland. While DNA information heralded as breakthrough accelerating gain, basic principles successful animal still remain same: (1) pertinent goal, (2) appropriate objective deliver (3) accurate evaluation system, (4) scheme, (5) system disseminate elite germplasm end user; validating underlying procedures principles. The constituent their relative emphasis within objectives will continue be contentious. Traits that need considered more future ruminant include environmental impact, product quality well-being, including health; while always explicitly included Irish sheep, indirect improvements many are expected via like reproductive survival well macro measures such milk fat protein concentration carcass merit. Crucial sustainability production systems co-evolution management so suited most sustainably system.