Farmers in Tyrone encouraged to use free sample drop-off points as part of Bovine Genetics Project

BEEF and dairy farmers throughout Tyrone, who are part of the recently launched Bovine Genetics Programme (BGP), can take advantage of a free drop-off service to make the process of submitting genotyping samples from their breeding livestock as convenient as possible.

Operated by Sustainable Ruminant Genetics (SRG), in conjunction with Veterinary Surgeon Supply Co. Ltd (VSSCo), local vet practices and tag suppliers, the local drop off points are located in:

Ballygawley Veterinary Practices, Tamnamore and Pomery

Countryside Services Head Office, Dungannon

Fane Valley, Dungannon and Omagh

Campsie Veterinary Centre, Omagh

Strathroy Dairy, Omagh

Campsie & Strule Farm Vets, Newtownstewart

Park View Veterinary Clinic, Castlederg and Strabane

There are over 40 similar points throughout NI to support farmers across the region.

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 the designated drop-off location.

Samples will then be collected by VSSCo and delivered straight 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 network of collection points that ensures farmers across Northern Ireland can engage with the project and begin building a clearer picture of the genetic potential within their herds."

Martin Millar, a farmer and BGP advodate, added his support: "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, also highlighted the benefits of the project.

“Genotyping represents the future for farming and SRG is leading the way in the roll out of this groundbreaking project,” she said.

“ By giving farmers access to valuable information about their herds, its potential for breeding, productivity and profitability is enormous.

“Veterinary practices work closely with livestock farmers every day, so we're pleased to add our support, in such a practical way, by acting as a sample collection point. Our call is simply for more farmers to register and get involved."

The call was backed by Paul Nugent from Fane Valley Stores.

“We’re pleased to support this important NI-wide initiative,” he commented.

“ 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.”

William Sherrard, managing director of VSSCo, added: “The Board of Directors at VSSCo are pleased to facilitate and streamline the process by transporting the samples from the designated farmer drop-off points to the lab in Belfast.

“SRG offers livestock farmers a unique opportunity to review the genetic potential of their herd, accelerate genetic progress, and thereby improve farm profitability”.

Farmers should only place DNA samples in the designated SRG envelopes. BVD samples should NOT be included.

Further information on collection points is available at https://www.srgni.com/sample-drop-off/ for more information please contact SRG on 028 2046 2280 or by email [email protected]

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.