| Reference protocol |
| Protocol 1 (P1) |
Allflex TST system was applied as routinely used to tag newborn calves (protocol above described). Once in the laboratory, the ear tissue was extracted from the needle into a tube where the IDEXX eluent of the BVDV Ag/Serum Plus Test (IDEXX buffer) was added. |
| Alternative protocols |
| Protocol 2 (P2) |
In step 4 of P1, the Allflex DNA Buffer D (Allflex buffer, produced by FertiPro N.V., Beernem, Belgium) was used instead of IDEXX buffer. |
| Protocol 3 (P3) |
At the time of the ear tag application, the needle was closed in a tube pre-filled with IDEXX buffer. |
| Protocol 4 (P4) |
Like P3, except for the use of Allflex DNA Buffer D instead of IDEXX buffer. |
| Protocol 5 (P5) |
At the time of sampling, the ear notch is directly pushed in a tube pre-filled with IDEXX buffer. |
| Protocol 6 (P6) |
Like P5, except for the use of Allflex DNA Buffer D instead of IDEXX buffer. |
