Week 8 of 2025 has seen the largest influx of calf samples with close to 78k samples arriving in the lab last week.
To date in 2025, 194,889 samples have been received in the lab.
Last week’s figures
- 77,964 calf samples were received into the lab.
- 72,461 calf samples were processed in the lab.
- The average time from birth to sample being received in the lab was 7.1 days (Down from 8.3 days last week)
- The average time a sample spent in the lab last week was 4.7 days.
- The average turnaround time from birth to passport being issued was 14 days.
Please note: 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.
Tips to Avoid Potential Delays:
- Post samples at least twice a week—choose set days (e.g., Monday & Wednesday) and stick to them. This is particularly important for herds who wish to sell any surplus calves asap.
- Use only the official pink plastic NGP return envelopes—they’re more durable and easier to identify in postal sorting.
- Do not use paper or non-official envelopes, as they tear more easily and may cause further delays.
Ordering New Tags & Replacement Tags:
Most NGP herds will already have their calf tags, but if not, they 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.
Important Reminder: All NGP calves require a DNA sample for registration. 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 a sample error, the passport will issue automatically with the parentage and sex details as record 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 into 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.
Order Replacement DNA Tags via the HerdPlus App
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.