Bovine Genetics Project (BGP): Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Find out more about the BGP here.

General

How do I register for the Bovine Genetics Project (BGP)?

Register for the BGP online through the SRG User Portal on the SRG website (www.srgni.com), you will use your Government Gateway or NIDA details to log in, the same way you log into NIFAIS.

Can someone (i.e. an Agent) register my herd on my behalf?

Yes, an Agent can register your Business for the BGP on your behalf. Existing Agent/Business relationships from NIFAIS will be replicated for the SRG User Portal.

When can I register for the BGP?

Registration for the BGP commences in May 2026, with the genotyping scheme commencing in September 2026.

How do I join the genotyping scheme?

After registering for the BGP you will be brought to the screen to join the genotyping scheme, here you will follow the on-screen steps to select your chosen lab and tag supplier.

How much will it cost?

The cost of genotyping will be approx. £11-13 per sample plus the price of the tag. DAERA are subsidising the cost of genotyping for farmers at a cost of £13 per eligible animal.

How do I pay for genotyping?

If you chose to genotype with the SRG lab, you will input your direct debit details (Bank account number and sort code) once at sign-up and you will then be charged automatically once you send your samples to the lab. If you chose another approved lab you will pay the lab directly.

Animals

What animals are eligible for subsidised genotyping?

All existing and future breeding males and females. All calves born and registered on NIFAIS in 2027.

When can I start genotyping my animals?

From September 2026, farmers can begin genotyping all existing and future breeding animals (males & females). From January 2027 all calves born on the farm can be genotyped at birth.

What animals should I genotype?

You should genotype all your breeding stock (cows, heifers, followers, bulls) and, in 2027, all calves born on the farm (male/female, dead/alive).

How do I genotype an animal?

You will genotype an animal using an eartag. The number on the tag should correspond to the number of the animal that you are tagging.

Tags / Samples

What type of tags are used to genotype animals?

From September 2026 animals may be genotyped with DNA tissue tags. These will be official tags. From January 2027, calves born on farms may be genotyped with double-tissue tags. Double-tissue tags allows for the collection of the BVD sample from one ear and the DNA sample taken from the other ear. The genotyping tags will work with your regular taggers, the same way the BVD test works, there is no need to purchase new taggers. EID option is also available.

How do I buy the genotyping tags?

You can order your genotyping tags from your normal tag supplier, if you nominated this tag supplier upon sign-up to the BGP they will already have access to your list of eligible animals. If you would like to use a different tag supplier than the one you previously nominated all you need to do is provide the tag supplier with your Business ID and Herd number and they will have access to your list of eligible animals. You can order all your tags together or order in groups, depending on how you plan to start tagging your animals.

When can I order my tags?

You can order your official genotyping tags from September 2026.

I already bought my tags for 2027, what can I do now?

If you have ‘single tissue’ calf tags bought or left over from 2026, you should order corresponding button tags to genotype these calves at birth directly from your nominated tag supplier.

How will I know the difference between the DNA sample and the BVD sample?

The two samples will be different colours, the DNA will always be pink. Remember pink = DNA.

I am already genotyping can I join the scheme?

Yes. You can continue genotyping under the scheme. When selecting a lab, simply choose from the approved options listed in the drop-down menu — if your current lab appears there, you can continue using it. You will not receive a payment for animals genotyped before the scheme starts (September 2026).

What labs can I send my samples to?

You must send your samples to an approved lab, the full list of approved labs will be shown on the SRG User Portal.

Privacy

Who will have access to my data?

You (the herd owner) have control over who accesses your data. SRG shares data with third parties primarily based on your authorisation to provide services and benefits to your farming business. You can manage which organisations have access to your data by logging into the desktop version of your SRG account and navigating to the “Change Data Permissions” screen.