Lowline
DNA - An Overview
Why DNA?
The American Lowline Registry (ALR) has set a very high standard for
registration of fullblood Lowline cattle.
The requirements are much more strict than most registries. Fullblood Lowline
cattle must be DNA tested and
parent-verified before their registration certificates are issued.
Percentage and purebred cattle do not require DNA testing for registration.
However, in any case where the
true sire or dam of a percentage/purebred Lowline is in question, the
conscientious breeder will test
rather than guess.
The purpose of DNA testing is to confirm/verify parentage, not "figure out"
parentage.
It is not a substitute for good management and herdsmanship!
How do I collect a DNA sample?
The most common, and best, DNA sample is a spot of blood placed on a MicroCard
card.
Cards are provided to ALR members from the office at no charge upon request.
A sterile needle
accompanies each card. MicroCards contain a high-tech material with
anti-microbial properties to
preserve the sample and avoid contamination. They are similar to the DNA
materials used by the
FBI and other law enforcement agencies. Technicians at the lab punch out a
piece of the blood spot to use for DNA extraction and testing. The remainder
of the sample is permanently stored and archived. The blood sample is
obtained as follows:
1) Check the identification of the animal to be sampled. Write the animal's
ID on the card.
2) Remove the needle from the plastic cover (be sure to use a new
needle for each animal).
3) Hold the tip of the animal's ear, and use the needle to prick
the ear.
A. Prick the ear near the tip where you are holding it.
B. Prick the ear 2-3 times within 1/8" of each prick.
4) WAIT, 5-10 seconds for the blood to form a drop (safely discard the
needle and ready the MicroCard while waiting).
5) Open the card, like a matchbook. Holding the back of the card, press
the circle printed on the card to the drop of blood. For a sufficient sample,
blood should fill at least ½ the area of the circle.
6) Repeat steps 1-6 for each animal to be sampled.
7) Keep cards separate from each other until the bloodstains are dry.
Do not place samples in plastic baggies, as this does not allow the bloodstain
to dry on each card. Once they dry, they are stable and require no special
handling.
A straw of semen may also be used for a DNA sample. Semen straws must be
labeled with appropriate animal identification. Package straws so they will
be protected from bending and breakage. Semen straws do not need to remain
frozen for use as DNA samples, the
DNA remains intact at room temperature.
In the case of twins, a hair sample is necessary. Use a baggie or envelope
and label it with the animal's identification. Grasp 10-20 tail hairs and
yank them out by the root. This root, or follicle, contains the DNA. Place
the hairs in the baggie or envelope and seal it.
Where do I send my DNA sample(s)?
Lowline breeders have two options:
1) Keep DNA supplies on hand (they are free upon request from the office).
Take your DNA sample(s) at any convenient time and store them. When you are
ready to register the animal, submit the sample to the ALR office along with
the registration application. Once the animal's registration number has been
assigned, the office staff will prepare the necessary paperwork and forward
the sample to the lab.
2) If you apply for regi
stration of a fullblood Lowline and a DNA sample does
not accompany the registration form, the ALR office will prepare and send you
a DNA kit. The kit includes the supplies to obtain the sample, the paperwork
required by the lab and a mailing label addressed to the lab. Take your
sample and mail it directly to the lab.
Samples should never be sent to the lab unless accompanied by the DNA form,
which should be prepared by the office. If you have special circumstances
requiring DNA testing without applying for registration, contact the office
for assistance.
The official DNA lab is MMI Genomics, located in Davis, California. They are
among the leaders in animal DNA testing in the U.S. In addition to Lowline,
they provide DNA services for Angus and many other major breed associations.
How much does it cost?
$25 per head. Long-time members may recall that it used to cost $40 per
head. Our growth and increased volume has earned us a better rate.
How long does it take?
The turnaround time between the sample going into the mailbox and receiving a
report of the results is an average of four weeks. You must plan ahead if you
need fullblood cattle registered for a show or sale deadline.
What results do I get?
The report of the DNA testing is sent to the ALR office. The office then must
match the DNA report with the pending registration. If the parents qualified
(and all other requirements have been met), the registration certificate is
issued. It is sent to the owner of the animal along with a copy of the DNA
report. If one or both parents were disqualified, the owner/applicant will be
notified and sent a copy of the report while the registration is held until
the case is resolved.
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