Dear Breeder/Owner 

The Onderstepoort Veterinary Genetics Laboratory (VGL) is set to conduct Microchipping and DNA Parentage Verification for the 2023 Foal Crop from January to March 2023. We wish to update you on specific changes in fees and services for the upcoming season: 

Inflation-Adjusted Increase

A 10% inflation-adjusted increase in the fees has been charged by VGL for the services mentioned above this includes the exchange rates fluctuations for consumables.

Electronic Data Collection Fee

An additional one-time cost of R287.50 for a horse's lifetime has been introduced by VGL for electronic data collection, storage and maintenance. VGL state that since the introduction of the UPEquID App, breeders have benefited from not paying this fee; but, in the current economic climate and UP cost-cutting programs, VGL now has no choice but to charge for this service. The NHA will absorb part of the new charge for the 2023 crop and from the 2024 crop, the full cost will be charged to breeders.  

Digitising Service Fee

We appreciate the widespread adoption of the UPEquID App and encourage all breeders to utilise it to streamline processes further and minimise costs.  Breeders cooperation in inputting data on the EqID App will avoid additional costs.  If the microchipping team have to input the initial horse markings and top line into the EquID App themselves, they will charge a digitising service fee of R345 per horse.  For control purposes, breeders must counter-sign and confirm any markings done/redone by the microchipping team.  Breeders are encouraged to input their top-line data and horse markings on the EquID App to avoid this fee. 

NHA Passport and Admin Fee

The NHA passport and Admin Fee has been increased from R460 to R480 (4%); this is to consider the increase in paper and printing consumables related to the printing of the horse passports. All other Stud Book fees remain unchanged.

ALL FEES REFLECTED BELOW ARE VAT INCLUSIVE