We are now in week 8 of 2024 and the National Genotyping Programme (NGP) with over 127,000 animal passports issued via the NGP.
We are aware of the concerns that farmers are having around a number of issues.
Sample Turnaround Time
Currently, the average length of time that a sample spends in the lab is 4.5 days. 98% of calf samples are spending less than 7 days in the lab. The 2% that are taking longer than 7 days is understandably causing some frustration with farmers, To this end we will begin implementing a number of improvements highlighted below.
Improvement 1: We will be implementing an improvement that will automatically issue a calf’s passport when the sample hits day 10 in the lab. Once this happens, the farmer should receive the passport in the post in the coming days. The genotype result will follow thereafter. This should relieve any concerns about moving animals in a timely manner.
Unsuitable/Empty Samples
Improvement 2 : To avoid unnecessary delays, when/if a sample is identified as unsuitable or empty, a passport will be issued automatically. The farmer will need to follow up with their tag company to order a new DNA button tag to resample the calf for its genomic evaluation.
Passports arriving on different days
Some farmers have expressed concerns around receiving passports on different days despite sending all samples together. While this is a normal occurrence, we are endeavouring to reduce the incidence. Please rest assured that samples are being processed as quickly and efficiently as possible.
Last week’s figures
- Over 87,000 calf samples were received into the lab.
- The average time a sample spent in the lab last week was 4.5 days.
- The average turnaround time from birth to passport being issued was 13.1 days.
Programme overview to date
- Over 230,000 calf samples received in the lab to date. Today alone, 20,000 samples were received in the post.
- 151,246 calf samples genotyped to date.
- 1.58% of samples received to date have been unsuitable, empty.
- 98% of calf samples received in the lab are processed within 7 days.