Sovereign bulls and Sovereign females used as embryo donors, developed using genetics from the following breeds will require DNA testing to verify they are free of the following genetic defects, unless free by pedigree. (i.e. all non-Highland parents have been tested free or are themselves free by pedigree.)

Angus: AM, NH CA

Red Angus: AM, NH, OS and MA

Shorthorn: TH and PHA

Maine-Anjou: TH and PHA

Hereford: IE

Galloway: MA

Murray Grey: MA

*Limousin:* ** AM NH, CA for Angus or Red Angus influence, OS for Red Angus influence, PHA and TH for Shorthorn or Maine influence, all if unknown.

*Gelbvieh:* AM, NH, Ca for Angus influence, OS for Red Angus influence

*Chianina:* AM NH, CA for Angus influence, PHA and TH for Shorthorn influence, all if unknown .

*Simmental:* AM NH, CA for Angus or Red Angus influence, OS for Red Angus influence, PHA and TH for Shorthorn or Maine influence, IE if Hereford influence, all if unknown.

Unknown Genetics: AM, NH, CA, OS, MA, TH , PHA and IE

Dexter: BD (Dexter Dwarf)**

Saler: Beta-Man**

*US cattle in these breeds have incorporated genetics from a number of other breeds, and thus require testing for a multitude of defects.

**Please call the AHCA office for additional testing requirements that are required for Limousin (protoporphyria), Saler (beta-mannisidosis) and Dexter (Dexter dwarfism)

DD / Developmental Duplication / OS / Osteopetrosis
TH / Tibial Hemimelia / MA / Alpha-Mannosidosis
PHA / Pulmonary Hypoplasia with Anasarca / IE / Idiopathic Epilepsy
CC / Black/Red Coat Color / DL / Dilution
AM / Arthrogryposis Multiplex / HY / Hypotrichosis
NH / Neuropathic Hydrocephalus / FM / Freemartin
CA / Contractural Arachnodactyly / BD / Bulldog Dwarfism - Chondrodysplasia

BLOOD SAMPLES
► Collect at least 2cc of whole blood (not serum) in an EDTA purple top tube. An anticoagulant is used in the purple top tubes to keep the blood from clotting. If sent in any other type of tube the sample will NOT be processed.

► After collecting the blood, the tube must be mixed thoroughly by inverting 5-10 times. Severely clotted blood samples received will NOT be processed and must be resubmitted.If using a syringe to draw blood, transfer IMMEDIATELY to a purple top tube.

► It is also important that a new needle/syringe be used for each animal. The sensitivity of the test can detect very small quantities of contamination potentially producing invalid test results.

► Please label the blood tubes with the animal’s permanent ID and/or registration # (if available). It’s also extremely important that tubes are not mislabeled. If sending in more than one sample please, be very cautious and make sure to label tubes for the animal to which they belong.

Blood samples should be shipped within 48 hours of collection for best results. Second day shipping via UPS or Federal Express are recommended. Samples that are collected a day prior to shipment should be kept in the refrigerator prior to shipment.

Hot Weather: When temperatures exceed 90◦F for extended periods, please include a cold pack with the samples. DO NOT FREEZE.

Cold Weather: When temperatures are below 35◦F, please pack the samples in an insulated container to avoid freezing.

COLLECTION OF BLOOD SAMPLES ON BLOOD CARDS
► Label the front of the blood card with the PERMANENT ID number and registration number (if available) of the animal to be tested. It’s also extremely important that cards are not mislabeled. If sending in more than one sample please, be very cautious and make sure to label cards for the animal to which they belong.
► Remove the needle from the plastic cover. Be sure to use a new needle for each animal.
► Hold the top of the animal’s ear. Use the needle to pierce the ear near the top where you are holding it.
► Wait 5-10 seconds for the blood to form a drop. Discard the needle and ready the blood card.
► Holding the blood card, press the pre-printed circle or the absorbent paper portion of the card to the blood on the top side of the ear. If more sample is needed, press to the underside of the ear. For a sufficient sample, the blood should be at least the size of a quarter.
► Keep the cards separated from each other until the blood stains are dry, then fold up with id showing.
► Fill out the Submission and Request Oder Form. Match the tattoo number on the blood card with the corresponding tattoo on the paperwork.
► Repeat the steps for each additional animal being tested.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR COLLECTING AND MAILING HAIR SAMPLES FOR DNA TESTING
► Hair root from the coarse hair at the end of the tail is the preferred sample type for cattle. When sampling several animals in the same session, avoid sample contamination by ensuring that there are no strands of hair in your hands prior to sampling a new individual.
► Clean the area by removing all loose hair and foreign matter (use comb if possible).
► Pull (do NOT cut) 20-30 hair strands total. Grasp small group of hair close to skin and pull in one swift, downward motion (needle-nose pliers or tweezers can be used, especially if hair is short).
► Examine the end of hair strands for the presence of root bulbs. The bulbs are necessary for DNA testing. If the majority of the hair strands lack the root bulbs, discard hair and start again. Do not send hair without visible bulb.
► Hair sample should be inserted in a letter-size envelope. The outside of the envelope should be labeled with the PERMANENT ID number and registration number (if available) of the animal to be tested. It’s also extremely important that envelopes are not mislabeled. If sending in more than one sample please, be very cautious and make sure to label envelope for the animal to which they belong.
► Fill out the Submission and Request Oder Form. Match the tattoo number on the blood card with the corresponding tattoo on the paperwork.
► Repeat the steps for each additional animal being sampled.
SEMEN SAMPLES
► Send at least one straw of thawed semen
► Semen straws should be protected from breakage during shipment by placing them in a semen cane or goblet and packaged in a padded envelope or small box.
► Please refrain from shipping semen straws in standard sized mailing envelopes. When processed by the US Postal Service, these samples are often crushed by the rollers in automated mail handling equipment.
FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS
Enclose all relevant information needed to process your request for testing and payment in a zip-lock bag to protect it from damage. Samples will NOT be processed until payment is received.
Pricing
For dd: $18.00 each
FOR TH, PHA, and CC:$25each and an additional $10 for a combination test. (TH & PHA or TH & CC or PHA & CC =$35 ea TH/PHA/CC = $45)
FOR DL, IE, HY, OS, MA, AM, NH, and CA: $20each and an additional $10 for a combination test. (AM & NH, AM & CA, NH & CA, IE & DL, etc. =$30 AM, NH & CA; AM NH & OS; etc. = $40)
For any combination of 4 or more tests = $50
Ship samples and payment to:
AgriGenomics, Inc.
2399 N 1000 East Road
Mansfield, IL 61854
Written results will be provided on all samples tested. It is in your best interest to identify the samples as completely as possible for your future reference and use.