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BOVINE
Testing services for bovines

The expectations of both producers and consumers regarding the quality and traceability of their food and the industries need for better productivity to meet the needs of the market has risen exponentially in the last few years. Weatherbys Scientific has responded to this demand for testing by utilising the latest techniques and employing expert staff.

Our work in the bovine sector has grown dramatically in recent years, and we can process more than 500,000 samples a year.

Acceptable Sample Types

Eartags – in one of the following sample vials

  • Caisley Liquid
  • Allflex TST
  • Allflex TSU
  • Caisley dry

Hair

  • 40 – 50 hairs with follicles attached (see page in downloads section for more detailed instructions)

Semen straw

  • In protected casing to stop straw snapping in transit

Blood

  • EDTA (purple top tube)
  • Note – Clotted Serum (red top tube) will not be accepted

Tissue

  • Must be fresh and not necrotic
Test panels on offer include:
1. Genomic Testing

Using the Illumina iScan platform the laboratory provides a genotyping service by with the IDB V3,(54K SNP chip) and 770K (HD) SNP chips used to produce genomic breeding values and in Genome wide association studies.

2. Parentage Verification

The Laboratory uses a panel of 18 internationally recognised microsatellite DNA markers for routine parentage verification, which can supplemented with a secondary panel of 10 markers to assist with problematic cases.

3. SNP Parentage Verification

SNP based parentage verification is carried out with the recommended ISAG SNP markers.

4. Pedigree Searching

Archived microsatellite DNA profiles held on the database provide an excellent resource for pedigree searching and solving incorrect parentage.

5. BOVINE GENETIC DISEASE AND MAJOR GENE TESTING

Introducing genes that cause high mortality or embryonic loss are costly to producers, while introducing genes that produce a positive effect on the animals production can be a good way to increase profits. Testing for both desirable and undesirable genes is a cost-effective way to ensure you are getting the most genetic potential from your herd. Click here to find out more about the list of traits that we offer

Find out more
6. Breed Assignment

Established reference populations for Angus, Hereford, Holstein, Fresian, Simmental, Limousin and Charolais cattle

7. Forensic Testing

The Laboratory also assists with the investigation of animal biological material as evidence in legal matters.