The deadline for weighing animals as part of the BEEP-S and the Dairy Beef Calf Programme is fast approaching. Animals in both Beef Sector Efficiency Programmes must be weighed before November 1st. The weight data recorded should be submitted to the ICBF database within 7 days of the weighing event.
Beef Environmental Efficiency Programme-Sucklers (BEEP-S)
Actions to be undertaken:
- Farmers must weigh the live calf and dam (pairing) and submit the weights to ICBF.
- All weights should be submitted within 7 days of weighing and before November 1st 2021.
Eligible Suckler Cow & Calf Pairings:
- An eligible suckler cow belongs to a beef breed or is sired by a beef breed bull.
- Calves must be born (in the herd) between 1st July 2020 and 30th June 2021.
- Both cow and calf must be alive at the time of weighing.
Dairy Beef Calf Programme
Actions to be undertaken:
- Farmers must weigh a minimum of 5 eligible calves and submit the weights to ICBF.
- All weights should be submitted within 7 days of weighing and before November 1st 2021.
- Calves must be at least 12 weeks old at the time of weighing.
Eligible Dairy Beef Calves:
- Dairy beef calves must be in your herd for at least 10 days before weighing.
- Calves must be born on or after 1st January 2021.
- A male or female calf of a beef breed sire born to a dairy breed dam or a dairy male calf,
You have several options when recording the animal’s weights, these include:
- ICBF weight recording mobile app.
- Online Services on icbf.com – Log In – ‘Services’ – ‘BEEP-S or Dairy Beef Programme’ – ‘Record Weights’.
- Farm Software package.
- Record on Animal Events notebook and transfer online afterwards.
- Weight Recording Form (if online is not an option). These can be requested from ICBF (023-8832883)
What are the benefits of weighing cattle?
Weighing cattle is an important management tool within any herd. It provides accurate, animal-specific performance data which allows farmers to make more informed decisions – helping to improve both the productivity and efficiency of their cattle herd.
- Monitor Animal Performance – Regularly weighing cattle allows their performance to be assessed. This information can be used to highlight whether animals are meeting their daily liveweight gain targets and indicates management areas that may require attention.
- Improve Animal Health – Regularly weighing cattle may help to identify any underlying health issues at a very early stage. Underperforming animals who are failing to meet their growth targets can be easily identified and investigation carried out to determine the cause. Weighing cattle also allows for accurate administration of veterinary treatments. This helps prevent any under or overdosing of animals, which is beneficial in minimising the risk of antibiotic resistance occurring on farm.
- Forecast Optimum Time for Sale – Regular weighing of cattle allows stock to be sold/slaughtered at the optimum weight grade, ensuring maximum profitability.
Recording Weights on ICBF
Links to download ICBF Weight recording app:
Apple – https://itunes.apple.com/ie/app/icbf-weight-recording/id1457570254?mt=8
Android – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=io.icbf.weight
Scales can be rented through 100 depots spread across the country in Co-Ops, Marts and FRS offices. Scales rented through the mybeep system are automatically linked to your herd. To hire a scales, go to mybeep.ie. Please note: availability may be limited in the final few weeks so it is imperative to book your scales asap.
If you have any queries on the BEEP-S or the Dairy Beef Calf Programme, please call 023-8832883 or email [email protected]. Alternatively, you can view helpful videos on mybeep.ie.