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. To register now click here.
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 is open now, 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 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 through SRG, 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 to genotype through another approved lab you will pay the lab directly.
Why do SRG need my bank details?
Bank details are collected as the point of registration to charge the farmer for genotyping. A farmer will only be charged once the sample arrives in the laboratory. Collecting direct debit details allows SRG to keep the cost of genotyping down for farmers. There is no sign up fee and farmers will only ever be charged when their samples arrive in the lab. There is no fee for empty samples.
Is there training involved with the Bovine Genetics Project?
Yes, completing training is an essential part of the Bovine Genetics Project, all farmers keeping cattle must complete this training to avoid any penalties on their Farm Sustainability Payment
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.
What is considered a breeding female?
Any female used for breeding or intended to be used for female (every female animal will be eligible for a payment as she has the potential to be used for breeding in the future).
What is considered a breeding male?
Any male registered as a bull i.e. “B” on NIFAIS. This includes stock bulls and bull calves registered as “B”.
I have a stock bull but he is registered as “M” on NIFAIS, is he eligible?
No, as he is registered as “M” he is not eligible for a payment. However, a farmer can change the registration from “M” to “B” by filling out a form with their local DVO and he will then become eligible for a payment.
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, breeding/non-breeding).
How do I genotype an animal?
You will genotype an animal using an eartag, to collect an ear notch sample. 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 meaning they can count as a replacement tag. It is up to the farmer whether they use flag tags or button tags. Newborn calves born on farms may be genotyped with double-tissue tags. Double-tissue tags allows for the collection of the BVD (Bovine Viral Diarrhoea) 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 prior to September 2026, however, it is important to note that samples that are received in the lab before 1st September 2026 will not receive a payment back from DAERA. Talk to you tag supplier about ordering genotyping tags.
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.
Can you use the one sample for both BVD and DNA?
No, unfortunately they must be two different samples. The restriction comes down to incompatible preservatives, laboratory workflows, and different tube types.
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.
Where do I send my genotype samples once I have taken them?
When your samples are ready to send (*Must be on or after 1st Sept 2026) you must put them in the pre-addressed envelope provided to you by your tag supplier when you purchase your DNA tags. Samples can be sent in the post or dropped off at a collection point (the locations of collection points are currently being finalised).
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.
When I buy my tags, do I pay for the genotyping there and then? The same as a BVD test?
No, you will not be charged for genotyping when you buy your tags. You will pay for genotyping once the sample arrives in the laboratory.
What happens if the sample I send back is of low quality or the sample is empty?
If the sample is of low quality or empty you will be notified and will have to reorder a tag to retest the animal. You will not be billed or receive a payment for an empty sample.
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. We are currently developing an authorisation page where you can grant access to third parties. When this feature is available 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.
I want my vet to have access to my data for advisory reasons, can I give them access?
Yes, there is a section on the SRG User Portal which allows you to grant access to your veterinary practice, simply select your veterinary practice from the drop down list of veterinary practices and this will grant them access to your herd data.
I want to share my data with my breeding company, how do I do this?
We are currently developing an authorisation page where you can grant access to third parties. When this feature is available 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. Here you will select your breeding company to allow them to have access to your data.
Getting help
I am having an issue with my SRG User Portal, who do I contact?
You can contact SRG by filling out the SRG contact form available here. Or you can email SRG directly at [email protected] and a member of the team will be in touch.
I would like help understanding my genomic results
You can contact SRG by filling out the SRG contact form available here. Or you can get in touch with one of our Business Support Specialists directly and they can give you a call back.
Contact Hannah at [email protected] or Lois at [email protected]