As communicated in May of this year, over the past several years the identification, microchipping and DNA parentage verification of thoroughbred horses have been done by the Onderstepoort Veterinary Genetics Laboratory (VGL) in collaboration with the Equine Research Centre (ERC), on contract to the NHA. In prior years an average of 4 000 foals were identified each year and the number of registered foals by 31 July would be able to cover the costs.

In recent years the foal crop numbers have dropped below 2 500. Consequently, this has resulted in major cash flow implications for the NHA given the delayed recoupment from breeders, and the increase of the cost by VGL of approximately 10% every year without a corresponding increase in fees by the NHA. As a result, the NHA was left with no option but to terminate the contract with VGL as of 31 July 2020. 

Accordingly, the NHA in consultation with the TBA have looked at the option to balance cost and integrity of data. After an evaluation of several options, it was decided that VGL will still perform the identification, microchipping and parentage verification for the 2020 foal crop. 

As you are aware, members of staff of the VGL and ERC visit Thoroughbred Stud Farms during January through to April each year to implant the microchip for identification and take a blood sample from each foal for DNA profiling and parentage verification. This process comes at an upfront cost and in order to secure the services of the ERC, breeders will now need to pay for this service in advance. This upfront balance, and subsequent payments were previously borne by the NHA, and in many instances foals microchipped and sampled were never registered, thus leaving the NHA with a significant deficit that could never be recouped. 

For the 2020 foal crop, the Foal Identification Fee and the NHA Administration & Passport Fee may be invoiced separately should the breeder elect to do so. The relevant fees and deadline dates are noted below.