Genetics: Cattle

Eligible Items

1. Bulls

·         Breeds with Genomic Enhanced EPDs (GE-EPD) – eligible GE-EPDs required for cost share reimbursement up to $2,000.

·         Breeds that do not offer Genomic Enhanced EPDs – eligible true NCE EPDs with minimum 0.15 accuracies required for cost share reimbursement up to $1,000.

2. AI — semen from eligible AI sires – 5 sires maximum (qualification proof required:  EPD/Index – Beef; LNM/PI - Dairy), new semen tanks, liquid nitrogen fills, synchronization cost, AI supplies & equipment, AI technician fees, and/or AI training certification

3. Bred beef heifers

Requirements - Bulls

1. BVD-PI — test negative for BVD-PI; lab results required; ear notch samples must be submitted if using TDA Kord Lab

2. 840 EID — “840” are the first three digits — available from veterinarian at time of BSE, BVD-PI, and Trichomoniasis testing

3. BSE — performed by licensed veterinarian within 90 days of purchase; Trichomoniasis testing recommended

4. Dairy — bulls and semen must meet or exceed the minimum LNM or PI requirements; AI sires are recommended

5. Beef — bulls and semen must meet or exceed EPD/Index requirements in each of the two (2) EPD/Index groups (Calving Ease + Index or Growth) for one of the three bull types: Calving Ease/Maternal, Balanced Trait/Maternal, or End Product/Terminal.

IMPORTANT – New for 2023-2024

·         Breeds offering Genomic Enhanced EPDs (GE-EPD) must have eligible GE-EPDs between October 1, 2023 and date of purchase to be eligible for cost share reimbursement.

Breeds with GE-EPDs: Angus, Beefmaster, Black Hereford, Brahman, Brangus (Black, Red & Ultrablack), Braunvieh, Charolais, Gelbvieh & Balancer, Hereford, Limousin & Lim-Flex, Red Angus, Santa Gertrudis, Shorthorn, Simmental & Hybrid, Wagyu

·         Breeds that do not offer Genomic Enhanced EPDs (GE-EPD) must have eligible true NCE EPDs with minimum 0.15 accuracies between October 1, 2023 and date of purchase to be eligible for cost share reimbursement.

Breeds with true NCE EPDs with minimum 0.15 accuracies: Akaushi, Chiangus, Maine-Anjou & MaineTainer, Salers, Senepol, South Devon

Buyers must communicate with the seller prior to purchasing to ensure the bull meets all TAEP eligibility requirements. 

Bulls that do not meet eligibility requirements at date of purchase will be denied cost share reimbursement.

EPD, Genomic, Index, Accuracy, and Pedigree Print Date Information

Eligible beef breeds for the TAEP Genetics program must have a national breed performance testing program that participates in a National Cattle Evaluation (NCE) program recognized by the Beef Improvement Federation. Genomic Enhanced or true NCE EPDs must be calculated and printed from the most prominent breed association.

TAEP 2023-2024 EPD, Genomic, Index, Accuracy, & Pedigree Print Date Requirements will be posted in September 2023 at www.tn.gov/taep in Producer Programs under Genetics and will be included in the reimbursement packet.

$2,000 Maximum Reimbursement — Bulls must have eligible Genomic Enhanced EPDs (GE-EPDs) and Indexes on breed association pedigree between October 1, 2023 & date of purchase and meet TAEP EPD/Index requirements for one of the three eligible bull types to be eligible for cost share reimbursement.

·         Breeds with GE-EPDs:

Angus
­Beefmaster
­Black Hereford
­Brahman
­Brangus (Black, Red & Ultrablack)
­Braunvieh
­Charolais
­Gelbvieh & Balancer
­Hereford
­Limousin & Lim-Flex
­Red Angus
­Santa Gertrudis
­Shorthorn
­Simmental & Hybrid
Wagyu

·         Breed association pedigree must be submitted with reimbursement request and include eligible GE-EPDs, Indexes, accuracies, genomic status, and have a printed date between October 1, 2023 and date of purchase.

·         Reimbursement will be calculated based on purchase price at either 35% or 50% up to $2,000 maximum.

·         Payment for these breeds will be denied if individual bulls do not have eligible Genomic Enhanced EPDs (GE-EPDs) & Indexes calculated by their breed association between October 1, 2023 and date of purchase.

$1,000 Maximum Reimbursement — Bulls must have eligible true NCE EPDs with minimum 0.15 accuracies on breed association pedigree between October 1, 2023 & date of purchase and meet TAEP EPD requirements for one of the three eligible bull types to be eligible for cost share reimbursement. These EPDs must meet or exceed minimum TAEP EPD requirements. Interim EPDs, pedigree estimates, pedigree index (ex. I, I+, P, P+, or 0.05 Accuracy), or parental averages are not eligible for reimbursement.

·         Breeds with true NCE EPDs:

­Akaushi
­Chiangus
­Maine-Anjou & MaineTainer
­Salers
­Senepol
­South Devon

·         Breed association pedigree must be submitted with reimbursement request and include eligible EPDs, accuracies, and have a printed date between October 1, 2023 and date of purchase.

·         Reimbursement will be calculated based on purchase price at either 35% or 50% up to $1,000 maximum.

·         Payment for these breeds will be denied if individual bulls do not have eligible true NCE EPDs with minimum 0.15 accuracies calculated by their breed association between October 1, 2023 and date of purchase.

Bull Type Options

Bulls and semen must meet or exceed EPD/Index requirements in each of the two (2) EPD/Index groups (Calving Ease + Index or Growth) for one of the following three bull types:

·         Calving Ease/Maternal — must meet CED + (Maternal Index or WW or YW)

·         Balanced Trait/Maternal — must meet CED + (Maternal Index or WW or YW)

·         End Product/Terminal — must meet CED + (Terminal Index or WW or YW)