HOME / NON BRM PROGRAMMING / AGRICULTURE LIVESTOCK ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM /
Beef Project
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Program Contact Name: Les Halliday Email: ljhalliday@gov.pe.ca Phone: 314-0827 |
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Objective
Encourage cooperation and collaboration between sectors of the beef value production chain to improve economic competitiveness and farm profitability by developing innovative branding solutions for market growth.
Description:
This initiative in comprised of three components
A. Genetic Innovations
The Livestock Development program supports innovations in the use of genetics to produce seedstock, feeder calves and finished cattle for branding initiatives which produce premiums for collaborators in the production chain. For seedstock producers there are a number of genetic evaluation tools available which provide estimates of production traits from DNA analysis. Producers can use these tools to improve the genetic base of their herd and improve the market competitiveness of genetically improved animals. In addition, direct determination of residual feed intake (RFI) or true feed efficiency is now available at the Maritime Beef Testing facility at Nappan. With increasing feed costs, feed efficient animals will be key drivers of profitability.
Assistance may be provided in the following areas
- Seedstock production and evaluation
Growth traits - feed efficiency, growth rate, fat deposition, muscling
Innovative genetic pre-disposition for brand carcass traits - marbling, ribeye size, tenderness - Brand feeder production
Use of improved genetics and management protocols for feeder calf production.
Financial Assistance:
- Consignors of test station bulls and heifers will be eligible for $250 for each animal to encourage evaluation of seedstock for residual feed intake (RFI), genetic evaluation for production and carcass traits, genetic potential using DNA evaluation (Igenity profile etc), ultrasound testing for muscling, marbling, tenderness and fat cover.
- Bulls and heifers on home test will be eligible for a $50 incentive to identify genetic potential using DNA evaluation (Igenity profile etc).
- Purebred heifers (replacement or purchase) will be eligible for an incentive of:
- $200 for a heifer confirmed pregnant, registered in the name of the applicant and have at least three production or carcass EPD’s above breed average.
- The maximum number of heifers eligible will be five OR 10% of the number of mature females in the existing herd whichever is greater.
- Heifers with minimum genetic evaluation scores of 5 or higher (using Igenity system) for marbling or ribeye size or tenderness will be eligible for an extra $50 incentive.
- Heifer is eligible for the incentive once only in its lifetime.
- Producers are encouraged to use weaning weight data as initial selection criteria, but other traits such as conformation, pedigree, disposition should play a key role in the final selection.
- Applicants are responsible for all veterinary fees associated with confirming the pregnancy status of the replacement heifers.
- Dairy or dairy type heifers are not eligible under this incentive.
- Purchased bulls will be eligible for an incentive of:
- $250 for bulls that are physically and structurally sound (vet checked), have an adjusted yearling weight of 950 lbs and registered in the name of the applicant.
- Bulls that have at least three production or carcass EPD’s above breed average will be eligible for an extra $50.
- Evaluated bulls with an Igenity score of at least 5 for marbling or ribeye size or tenderness will be eligible for an extra $50
- Evaluated bulls with a negative RFI (higher efficiency) would be eligible for an extra $100 incentive.
- A bull is eligible for the incentive once only in its lifetime
- Maximum assistance will be $450
- The PEI Department of Agriculture & Forestry assumes no responsibility for the performance of replacement heifers retained or purchased under this initiative.
B. Health Protocols
Use of innovative herd health protocols are required to produce healthy feeder calves that have the potential to meet grade specifications for branded beef programs. Farms are unique in terms of health requirements and producers are encouraged to work with their veterinarian to develop farm specific disease prevention protocols.
Producers must submit an application form by October 31, 2013 to be eligible for assistance.
Receipts for vaccine and dewormer along with completed questionnaire must be received by February 21, 2014 to be eligible for assistance.
Assistance may be provided in the following areas:
- Implementation of documented on-farm whole herd health protocols.
- Cow herd including bulls are vaccinated annually for IBR, BVD, PI3, BRSV.
- Calves are castrated a minimum of six weeks prior to sale and less than eight months of age.
- Calves are dehorned a minimum of six weeks prior to sale.
- Calves are vaccinated and boostered for IBR, PI3, BRSV, BVD as per manufacturer’s protocol.
- Calves are treated with endectocide for internal/external parasites
- Completed herd health questionnaire
- Eligible vaccines for the protection against
Viral - BVD, PI3, BRSV, IBR
Bacterial - Clostridia spp. pasteurella spp., Heamophilus, E-coli spp. - Up to 70% of vaccine and dewormer costs - pro-rated based on sub-program uptake.
C. Feed Efficiency
Cost effective feeding strategies are important attributes of sustainable beef production. Branding programs require under thirty month animals to be adequately finished and meet the required grade and carcass weight. Feeding a balanced ration at each stage in the production cycle is important for healthy, efficient production.
Assistance may be provided in the following areas:
- Ration formulation/feed and pasture soil analysis
- Source and age verification protocols
- Feeding enhanced levels of vitamin E to meet brand specifications
- Trace mineral supplement bolus
Financial Assistance
- Funding up to 50% of feed and pasture soil analysis costs.
- Incentive of $50/herd for documented (birth certificates) source and age-verification
- Vitamin E assistance of $3/hd for each finished animal which qualifies for PEI branding incentives (payable once per year).
- Funding $10/double bolus mineral.
Ineligble expenses
- Farm labour
- Activities, (purchases) prior to April 1, 2013
Eligible applicants:
Beef producers who have:
- Currently registered with the PEICP
- Attended a Verified Beef Production (VBP) course
- A valid premise ID
Application Process:
Complete components of the Beef Sub-program application form which apply to your farm.
Applications under the Genetic Innovations and Feed Efficiency components will be reviewed on an as received basis.
Vitamin E incentives will be paid once per year based on carcass numbers provided by Atlantic Beef Products.
Applications for the Health Protocols component will be accepted until October 31, 2013, receipts for vaccines and dewormer must be submitted by February 21, 2014
Funding level may be pro-rated based on the number of applications and funding availability.
For more information on VBP training, age-verification and Premise ID please contact the Prince Edward Island Cattle Producers at 368-2229
Proof of payment options:
Cancelled cheque
Credit card payment receipt
Account statement from supplier showing supplies paid in full.
Submit completed applications to:
Prince Edward Island Cattle Producers
420 University Ave.
Charlottetown, PE
C1A 7Z5
Forms
| Beef - Feed Efficiency Application Form | |
| Beef - Herd Health Application Form | |
| Herd Health Questionnaire | |
| Beef - Premium Sires Application Form | |
| Beef - Purebred Heifer Application Form | |
| Beef - Seedstock Testing Application Form |
