Genomics Information
Since December 2017, NZHA breeders have been able to Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) DNA test animals by using either 10K SNP test at Genomnz or 50K SNP tests at Neogen (previously known as GeneSeek).
The benefit of SNP testing over microsatellite testing is largely resulting in increased accuracy and genomic prediction. If you wish to read more about the benefits of genomic testing, click here.
What Service Providers are available to NZHA Breeders?
Choosing which test best suits your farming operations, dictates which service provider to choose and thus what form your sample needs to be.
The current choices of service providers which have verified their SNP DNA test for NZHA genetic defects and provide a DNA profile include:
- Neogen - located in Australia - samples sent to PBB
- Genomnz - located in NZ - samples sent directly
To break down the SNP DNA process, NZHA and PBB have broken this into 3 Steps:
Step 1 – What Test? - Which Test do I want and thus which service provider do I choose? (see below infographic. Click to view a larger version)
Step 2 – The Process - How do I take a sample and submit it?
Step 3 – Results - receiving and interpretation the results.
Currently ABRI are updating the DNA software which will alter Step 2 and Step 3. Once this has been complete, NZHA/PBB will post information regarding Step 2 and Step 3.
Parent Verification Options
If sires or dams of the progeny have been SNP tested at Neogen, then sire or parent verification can be requested on the Neogen application form as part of the Hereford bundle and inclusive of the cost.
In the circumstance where progeny has been tested by one service provider (eg Genomnz) and the parents by another eg Neogen, then services of TREE (Theta) and PBB need to be sourced at an additional charge.
