Sustainable Ruminant Genetics (SRG), in conjunction with Veterinary Surgeon Supply Co. Ltd (VSSCo) and local vet practices and tag suppliers has launched a network of free sample drop-off locations across Northern Ireland to make it easier for farmers participating in the Bovine Genetics Project (BGP) to submit genotyping samples.
The initiative, which went live earlier this month, forms part of the next phase of the BGP and will support the collection of DNA samples from breeding animals across Northern Ireland.
The collection network includes over 20 participating veterinary practices, 18 Fane Valley Stores, and 3 Joseph Walls outlets, giving farmers convenient local options for returning genomic samples regardless of which approved tag supplier they use.
Once cattle have been tagged and DNA samples collected, farmers can simply place the pink sample vials into the pre-addressed pink envelope supplied with their tags and return them through any designated drop-off location.
Samples will then be collected by VSSCo and delivered to the SRG Genotyping Laboratory for processing.
Victor Chestnutt, Chair of SRG said:
“The Bovine Genetics Project is about giving farmers access to better information to support breeding decisions and long-term herd improvement. For that to happen, participation should be as straightforward as possible.
By working with veterinary practices, retail partners and VSSCo, we have created a practical collection network that allows farmers across Northern Ireland to engage with the project and begin building a clearer picture of the genetic potential within their herds.”
Martin Millar (Farmer) said:
“As a producer it’s important that participation in the project is as simple and convenient as possible. Having a local drop-off point makes the process easy. Once samples are collected, it’s simply a case of dropping them off during a visit or while passing their local practice or store.”
Aoife O’Farrell, Garvagh Vets added:
“Genotyping represents the future for farming and SRG is leading the way in the roll out of this groundbreaking project. By giving farmers access to valuable information about their herds, its potential for breeding, productivity and profitability is enormous.
As veterinary practices work closely with livestock farmers every day, we’re pleased to add our support in a very practical way, by acting as a sample collection point. We simply call for more farmers to register and get involved.”
Paul Nugent from Fane Valley Stores said:
“Fane Valley Stores are pleased to support this important NI-wide initiative. By making sample collections more accessible through our store network, we can help farmers participate confidently in the Bovine Genetics Project and contribute to stronger herd performance, improved efficiency, and a more sustainable future for Northern Ireland’s livestock sector.”
Commenting, William Sherrard, Managing Director of VSSCo said:
“The Board of Directors at VSSCo are very pleased to facilitate the transport of samples from the designated farmer drop-off points to the lab in belfast to help streamline the process. SRG offers livestock farmers an opportunity to review the genetic potential of their herd and seek to accelerate genetic progress within their herd and thereby improve farm profitability”.
The Bovine Genetics Project aims to support more informed breeding decisions by providing farmers with access to genomic information, herd performance data and benchmarking tools through the SRG User Portal.
Farmers should place only DNA samples in the designated SRG envelopes. BVD samples should NOT be included. Further information on collection points is available at here. For more information please contact our Customer Support Team by telephoning 028 2046 2280 , emailing [email protected] or filling out the contact form found here.
