Please find the Down to the Genes article, “Common Reasons for Delays in DNA testing”, in the October issue of the Register for more information.
By Lilly Platts, Jackie Atkins, Riley Foster, and Leoma Wells
Everything you need to know about ASA’s DNA Services & more. This is an extended version of the first installment of ‘Down to the Genes’ published in the September 2018 issue of the Register. This article covers frequently asked questions and offers tips for a smooth DNA process. For additional FAQ’s and information, see the September issue of the Register.
When do I have to DNA test an animal?
I purchased semen, are those selling semen monitored by ASA to ensure HD/150K testing?
No. Breeders are responsible for completing ASA’s testing requirements. It is strongly suggested that buyers of semen ensure a bull has all required testing prior to purchasing semen and breeding cows.
Do ASA’s genetic defect testing requirements match those put in place by sales management and bull tests?
Not always. Sales managers and bull tests may require additional testing depending on their requirements. It is always best to follow up with the specific sales manager or bull test on the testing requirements prior to ordering DNA kits from ASA to ensure the animal can be sold through that venue.
Do other associations require the same testing?
Each association has different requirements. If a sire/dam is registered with ASA from another breed certificate, additional testing may be required to register progeny. Make sure to contact ASA with any questions prior to progeny being born to avoid delays at registration time.
Take home message: Do not delay your DNA testing – order your kits today!
Ten things you can do to ensure a smooth DNA testing process:
Question – When does ASA require DNA testing on an animal?
Simmental/Simbrah/SimAngus/SimGenetics Animals
1) If you are collecting a bull and using him as an AI sire, yes, even if it’s just for “in herd use only”, he has to be AI approved with ASA. Contact ASA with the sire’s registration number to request a DNA kit.
a. If sire contains at least an 1/8 of a another breed please read below under Genetic Defect Testing Requirements.
2) If you flush a dam, she will need to be approved with ASA as a Donor Dam. Contact ASA with the dam’s registration number to request a DNA kit.
a. If donor dam contains at least an 1/8 of a another breed please read below under Genetic Defect Testing Requirements.
3) If you purchase an Embryo or a recipient dam carrying an embryo, and are not associated with the owner of the Donor Dam at the time she was flushed, you MUST parent verify your ET calf to both sire and dam prior to submitting a registration request. Contact ASA with the calf tattoo, sex, sire and dam’s registration numbers to request a DNA kit.
a. If sire/donor dam is at least an 1/8 of a another breed please read below under Genetic Defect Testing Requirements.
Foundation Sires and Donor Dams(animals registered with ASA from their other breed certificate)
1) To qualify as an AI sire, the bull must meet the following requirements:
a. If the bull was DNA parentage typed prior to May 1, 2012, he is grandfathered in from ASA’s genomic requirement. The sire’s DNA parentage SNPs or STRs will need to be forwarded from the respective breed association along with the date the DNA was completed. Once ASA has this information he can be approved for AI use.
b. If the bull was DNA typed after May 1, 2012, in addition to parentage, he needs to have a High Density genomic panel on file. The sire’s DNA parentage SNPs or STRs will need to be forwarded from his respective breed association along with verification that a High Density(50K or equivalent) genomic panel has been completed.
2) To qualify as an Donor Dam, the dam must meet the following requirements:
a. If the dam was DNA parentage typed prior to May 1, 2012, she is grandfathered in from ASA’s genomic requirement. The dam’s DNA parentage SNPs or STRs will need to be forwarded from the respective breed association along with the date the DNA was completed. Once ASA has this information she can be approved as a Donor Dam.
b. If the dam was DNA typed after May 1, 2012, in addition to parentage, she needs to have a High Density genomic panel on file. The dam’s DNA parentage SNPs or STRs will need to be forwarded from her respective breed association along with verification that a High Density(50K or equivalent) genomic panel has been completed.
Genetic Defect Testing Requirements
All sires and Donors Dams identified with a carrier in their lineage (CL, DL) or who come from a risk population (PR) for specified genetic defects MUST be tested for that defect before registration certificates and EPDs are available on new progeny. Please visit the TraitTrac Guide post to learn more about how to check an animal’s defect status.
To recap the above information, you need to submit a DNA sample on AI sires, Donor Dams and ET calves(if you did not own the dam at the time she was flushed) for necessary testing in order to meet ASA requirements. To learn more about how to verify whether an animal is approved for use as an AI sire/Donor Dam, click here.
If you have specific questions or concerns please email dna@simmgene.com or call our office at 406.587.4531.
