53 bulls have been tested under the Dairy Gene Ireland programme in 2026, according to the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation (ICBF).

The programme, which is in its 21st year, aims to progeny test 70 young bulls annually in a bid improve genetic merit and reliability of bulls being delivered to farms across the nation.

More than 1,100 bulls have been tested through the programme the programme since its establishment in 2005.

This has played a major role in influencing the Active Bull List, with the top 75 active bulls in April all Irish-bred for the first time in the service's history.

Dairy Gene Ireland

The Dairy Gene Ireland programme works hand-in-hand with Irish artificial insemination (AI) companies.

It begins with AI companies identifying and purchasing young bulls with high Economic Breeding Index (EBI) from dairy farmers.

These young bulls undergo genomic testing, and if they meet the required criteria, they are nominated for the Dairy Gene Ireland Programme.

From here, straws are supplied to farmers across the country at a discounted rate of €12; however, straws are randomised.

Farmers do have the option to pick a pack containing either Holstein/Friesians or multi breeds, which is a combination of Holstein, Friesians, and Jerseys.

This year, 19,466 straws were dispatched in these randomised packs to participating farmers for insemination during the 2026 breeding season.

The programme does aim to use 35,000 straws annually in a bid to have 100 milk-recorded heifers.

Data

Farmers who do use these straws have to record and provide accurate data in terms of insemination dates, calving surveys, health information, and more.

They are also required to carry out four milk recordings on any daughters from these sires during their first lactation.

All this information is needed for the bull's reliability, at which stage you may see a bull move from a genomic proof to daughter proven.

According to ICBF, over 182,000 male dairy calves entered into the programme in 2026 alone.

ICBF have said this is ensuring a strong pipeline of future AI sires for the Irish dairy industry.