The enhanced arrangements for genotyping operated on a voluntary basis during the period between 1 September and 18 November 2005.
The total number of sheep tested over that ten-week period accounted for over a quarter of the total number of sheep tested since the beginning of the NGP programme in May 2004. It was particularly encouraging that the majority of participants in the enhanced programme were non-pedigree flock owners.
One of the main goals of the enhanced programme was to raise awareness, particularly among non-pedigree flock owners, of the benefits of genotyping and to encourage their participation, and I am satisfied this was achieved. I have always made it clear that the enhanced programme was a forerunner to the compulsory breeding programme, which will be introduced early in 2006. My Department is currently finalising the terms of the compulsory programme and is in discussions with representatives of both pedigree and non-pedigree flock owners.