The cut-off date for BDGP data and genotypes for the September evaluation is 27 July. According to the ICBF, samples should be returned by 30 June to ensure that genotypes make it to the database in time. The animals to be genotyped in 2018 have been specified by the ICBF already.

The number to be genotyped will be equivalent to 60% of the number of reference animals on your holding in 2014 or 2017 where applicable. The rate of return of tissue tags has been strong up to now compared with previous years. If a selected animal has died or is sold before the sample tags are received, the applicant should contact the Department’s beef schemes section or the ICBF to request a test kit for a substitute animal as soon as possible. Genotype tissue samples must be taken from animals using the genotype kit provided. Each genotype tissue tag is numbered to correspond with the animal’s national ID tag number. The samples must be returned in the kits provided in the pre-addressed envelopes.