We are now in peak calving season, which means that there are more calves that need to be registered and more National Genotyping Programme (NGP) DNA samples that need to go through the lab.

It is understood that a number of farmers have experienced delays with getting their genomic information back, which has caused some frustration, but, for the most part, the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation (ICBF) have confirmed that samples have been processed smoothly.

The ICBF confirmed that as of Tuesday, February 18, over 194,889 samples have been received and that last week alone, 77,964 samples hit the lab.

The ICBF anticipate that the number of samples to be received next week will reach close to 100,000, with the peak in numbers slightly later than last year, due to a later calving start date nationally.

The average turnaround time from birth to the passport being issued in week eight of this year was 14 days.

The longest part of the process is the period between the sample being taken at birth to it being received in the genotyping lab. Last week, this was 7.1 days, which was lower than the previous week, at 8.3 days.

As of February 18, 2025, 94.30% of samples have gone through the lab process smoothly and are falling within the target number of days spent in the lab, which is less than five days.

0.87% of samples received to the lab were unsuitable and could not be tested (e.g. empty). 

0.83% of samples have been reported as poor quality, while the remaining number are the result of slight delays, about which the ICBF told Agriland that they "are working with the laboratories to resolve and minimize" any delays.

It is important to note, when sample issues or lab delays are identified, calf passports are issued automatically.   

Tips to avoiding delays in the return of genomic samples as per ICBF are as follows:

Post samples at least twice weekly and choose set days (e.g., Monday and Wednesday) and stick to them. This is particularly important for herds who wish to sell any surplus calves as soon as possible;
Use only the official pink plastic NGP return envelope as they’re more durable and easier to identify in postal sorting;
Do not use paper or non-official envelopes, as they can tear easily and may cause further delays.

Most NGP herds will already have their calf tags, but if not, the ICBF said that farmers are "strongly encouraged to order their calf tags as soon as possible."

"This is the busiest time of year for tag suppliers, and it is essential that herds leave enough lead-in time to receive their tag order before calving starts."

The ICBF also issued an important reminder that all all NGP calves require a DNA sample for registration and if you’re using leftover EID tags from before joining NGP, you’ll need to order a matching DNA button tag.

If the first sample for a calf is flagged as empty or if there is a sample error, the passport will issue automatically with the parentage and sex details as recorded by the herd at registration.

However, if the herd is planning to keep the calf and wish to re-sample, they are advised to order the replacement DNA button tag straight away, as it may otherwise be forgotten. 

Likewise, replacement DNA button tags should be ordered at the earliest opportunity for lost or damaged samples, as the issuing of the replacement tag and resampling will all add additional time to the turnaround of the calf passport.  

If the sample was lost, damaged, or in any way could not be tested (e.g. empty), then the herd will NOT be charged a second €4 when a replacement tag is ordered. 

You can now order replacement DNA tags directly through the HerdPlus app via the 'genotype tracking' and 'calf action' screens. Simply follow up with payment to your tag supplier, and the tag will be issued.

Several BVD samples continue to be sent to the genotyping lab in error. To avoid any potential delays, farmers are reminded to send DNA samples only to the genotyping lab.