ADGA's uses Veterinary Genetics Laboratory for its DNA typing contract work. Additional information can be found at http://www.vgl.ucdavis.edu

The laboratory receives DNA-typing samples throughout the year except regularly observed holidays. The laboratory prefers hair samples for testing.  In the case of EDTA-blood samples, if for some reason a hair sample is not available, mail as soon as the samples have been sufficiently cooled in the refrigerator.

For all samples: label the envelope for hair with the animal's full registered name, registration number and tattoo information before taking the sample. When sampling unregistered animals, list the tattoos. When sampling unregistered animals, list the tattoos on the sample label. For registered/recorded animals, compare the tattoos on the animal to be sampled with the tattoos listed on the registration/recordation certificate. Do not sample a second animal until all paperwork for the sample from the first animal has been completed.

Be extremely careful to prevent contamination of any of the samples. Identify and sample one animal at a time, complete paperwork for that animal before sampling a second animal. Sign the certificate of identification on each copy of the supplied form where indicated. Only one breed is included on each form. Return one copy of the form to ADGA, send one copy of the form with the samples to the laboratory and keep one copy for your records.

Hair samples: Thoroughly wash and dry your hands. Then comb the dirt and manure off the hairs between the claws on one foot of the animal being sampled. Gently, but firmly, pull 20 to 40 hairs with attached roots from the skin between the claws. Look at the hairs carefully to make sure that the root bulbs are attached. Continue pulling hairs until enough hairs with attached roots have been obtained. Place the hairs in a clean, labeled 4" by 9" envelope and seal the envelope. Do not obtain the hair by clipping as clippings do not have roots and cannot be used for DNA-typing. Repeat the above steps for each animal being sampled.

Semen samples: place individual straws of labeled semen in the styrofoam mailer in place of blood tubes. Write FRAGILE on the box. Semen samples to not have to be kept refrigerated but should be shipped promptly. Use a carrier other than US Postal service (UPS, FedEx, etc).These carriers are typically faster and enable tracking. Ship to avoid a weekend arrival. Spent straws cannot be used.

Blood samples: Please call if hair or semen samples cannot be provided.

All other samples: Sample types other than those listed above must be by special arrangement.