£16.6m cattle genotyping scheme to open for Northern Ireland farmers

Northern Ireland cattle farmers will be able to claim £13 per eligible genotype from 1 September under a new £16.6 million bovine genetics scheme.

The Bovine Genetics Genotyping Scheme will initially provide financial support for dairy and suckler beef farmers to genotype current breeding animals, including future replacements.

Genotyping is a laboratory process which analyses an animal’s DNA using an ear tissue sample, collected through an ear tag in a similar way to the Bovine Viral Diarrhoea Eradication Programme.

The information can help farmers make earlier and more informed breeding decisions by identifying characteristics linked to areas such as feed efficiency, health and longer-term herd performance.

DAERA Minister Andrew Muir has urged eligible farm businesses across Northern Ireland to opt in.

“This world-leading scheme will support a more resilient, efficient and environmentally sustainable bovine livestock sector, and will enable herd owners to improve the accuracy of breeding decisions by identifying traits, such as feed efficiency and health-related characteristics, at an earlier stage,” he said.

The scheme forms part of the wider £60 million Bovine Genetics Project, which is being delivered by DAERA in partnership with Sustainable Ruminant Genetics.

A total budget of £16.6 million has been allocated to the Genotyping Scheme, based on all eligible animals being tested.

Farm businesses will receive £13 for each eligible genotype submitted, but must opt in to qualify for payment.

Herd owners can register through the Bovine Genetics Project User Portal on the Sustainable Ruminant Genetics website, where they can also check which animals are eligible.

The scheme will expand further from January 2027.

Calves born and registered on NIFAIS during the 2027 calendar year will then have the opportunity to be genotyped.

Mr Muir added: “I would encourage all eligible farm businesses to avail of this opportunity to receive financial support to genotype their animals.”

Full guidance, including key dates, eligibility criteria and how-to videos, will be available through CAFRE from 1 September.

Training will be offered both online and in person.

The wider Bovine Genetics Project forms part of DAERA’s Sustainable Agriculture Programme and is intended to give farmers greater access to genetic information to support more informed long-term breeding decisions.

Further information is available from Sustainable Ruminant Genetics and DAERA-approved tag suppliers.