How do we measure progress, one of the answers definitely must be achieving our objectives. The recent evaluations released by ICBF show that the Charolais breed in Ireland are achieving rapid genetic improvements in their Replacement traits over the past number of years. The genetic trend graphs below also show that Charolais cattle in Ireland are driving ahead for traits such as ‘Carcass Weight’ and ‘Carcass Conformation'. To improve on Terminal traits, Replacement traits and at the same time produce easy calving cattle, is not such an easy task. It is for this reason that it is inspiring to see that the recent evaluations clearly show that the Charolais breed in Ireland is consistently improving on Calving Ease, Carcass Confirmation, Carcass Weight, Milk and Fertility, all at the same time.

Graph 1 - Genetic trends for the Terminal and Replacement Index in Pedigree Charolais Cattle

The genetic trend for the ‘Terminal Index’ in pedigree Charolais cattle in Graph 1 reflects the outstanding progress that Irish Charolais breeders have been making in breeding generations of Pedigree cattle that are far better for terminal traits than their predecessors. However, the remarkable improvements that must be noted from this graph is in the Replacement Index over recent years, in traits such as Milk and Fertility.

Graph 2 - Genetic trend for the Milk Index in Pedigree Charolais Cattle

As can be seen in Graph 2, the ‘Milk Index' in pedigree Charolais cattle has been improving gradually over the past few years.

Graph 3 - Genetic trend for the Calving Interval Index in Pedigree Charolais Cattle

A lower figure is desired for ‘Calving Interval’, which according to Graph 3 indicates that fertility is consistently improving in the pedigree Charolais population.

Graph 4 - Genetic trend for Carcass Weight in Pedigree Charolais Cattle

Graph 5 - Genetic trend for Carcass Confirmation in Pedigree Charolais Cattle

Graphs 4 and 5 clearly highlight the rapid gains made by Charolais breeders in Ireland with regards Carcass Weight and Carcass Confirmation. However, the key item to note from these improvements is the fact that they are being achieved in conjunction with Calving Ease. The Charolais breed average for Calving Difficulty continues to come down, reducing from 7.55% in 2014 to 7.15% at which it currently stands.

Charolais X heifer who sold in Elphin Mart recently. She weighed 610 kg and sold for €1,850. Other leading prices in Elphin included: CHX heifer weighing 680 kg, sold for €1,950. CHX heifer weighing 605 kg, sold for €1,550. CHX heifer weighing 585 kg, sold for €1,770.

Charolais X Weanling heifer who sold for €1,550 in Ennis Mart recently. Sired by Guepard and born in April 2017, she weighed 300 kg.

Champion Charolais X Weanling bull from the recent Weanling show & sale in Mountrath Mart. Sired by a Charolais stock bull, he weighed 520 kg and sold for €1,340 at just 12 months old. Other leading prices of CHX Weanling bulls from Mountrath included: CHX bull weighing 360 kg, sold for €1,210. CHX bull weighing 510 kg, sold for €1,400. CHX bull weighing 465 kg, sold for €1,320.

Champion Charolais X Weanling heifer from the recent Weanling show & sale in Mountrath Mart. Weighed 430 kg and sold for €1,660. Sired by liscally Eti, she was just 11 months old. Other leading prices of CHX Weanling heifers from Mountrath included: CHX heifer weighing 440 kg, sold for €1,210. CHX heifer weighing 380 kg, sold for €1,040. CHX heifer weighing 390 kg, sold for €1,060. 

Calf registration fees at present -

Calf Registration Fee - €60.00

If paid by Direct Debit calf registration fee is €50.00

From the 1^st of October 2017, if paying by Direct Debit calf registration fee will be €45.00, down from €50 at present.

From the 1^st of January 2018, it is compulsory for all members to be on Direct Debit, calf registration fee will be €45.00.