Irish Genotyping Program Sees Increased Calf Exportation in 2026

New figures from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) indicate that over 10% of Irish dairy-bred calves genotyped in 2026 were exported. Specifically, 715,782 calves received genotyping from January to June 15, with 89,355, or 12.5%, being exported. Comparatively, in the same period of 2025, 607,006 calves were genotyped and 79,431, or 13.1%, were exported.

A statement from DAFM highlighted that despite their exportation, these genotyped calves still contribute to calving ease and calving interval genetic evaluations. The National Genotyping Programme (NGP), managed by the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation (ICBF), is credited with driving this surge in genotyping activity.

The ICBF reported that spring 2026 marked the busiest calving season since the NGP's inception in 2023. This increase in activity is attributed to strong farmer engagement and the growing adoption of DNA calf registration, which are pivotal in moving towards a fully genotyped national herd.

In 2025, an additional 3,664 herds joined the NGP, bringing the total number of cows in participating herds to almost 1.1 million. This includes over 790,000 dairy cows and 302,000 suckler cows, underscoring the expanding role of genotyping in enhancing herd performance and breeding decisions.