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ADGA members may find the need for DNA services at some time during the ownership of their animals, either for their own information or as part of ADGA’s random sampling program (to be held late summer, ’06). ADGA’s new DNA contract laboratory, Veterinary Genetics Laboratory, prefers hair bulb samples although they accept blood samples as well.
Sample Collection is a critical part of the testing process.
How to sample
- Sampling works well from the following sites: back of hind leg, above the front kneepad, the guard hairs at the withers, or the top of the rump
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Ensure the sample area is clean, remove any loose hair or dirt from the area you are sampling
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Pull the hairs out firmly in a smooth motion (against the direction of growth), the hair follicle must be present, live and intact
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The DNA is contained in the root bulb - it is important that this part of the hair remain intact. Inspect for the root bulb. This may be particularly important with young animals, as their hair tends to be finer and more brittle.
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Do not cut the hair from the rump, dead or broken hairs (flattened) are not suitable
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Avoid sampling an area where shedding is occurring
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Place the hair in a regular sized (4”x9”) envelope and label with the provided ADGA information label
Avoid contamination
- Wipe any stray hairs from your hands before you sample each animal
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It is extremely important to keep hair samples dry upon collection and shipment. DNA within hair can degrade very rapidly if left in harsh conditions such as rain or moisture.
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In order to avoid cross-contamination, consider wearing clean latex gloves and use clean equipment on every sample.
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Furthermore, more than one sample should never be placed within the same envelope.
How much to sample
The sample collected needs to contain 20-40 hair bulbs. Look closely at the ends. Use a magnifying glass, if necessary to see the roots. If at least half of the hairs have roots, you are in good shape.
What information is required?
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Use the ADGA provided submission forms and individual labels. If one is not available, correctly record the animal information on the sample envelope. Ensure essential animal information is provided, including: Tattoo, Date of birth (if known), Sex, ADGA assigned DNA Case ID
- Complete a sample submission form for each animal.
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If you prefer someone other than yourself take the sample, have the collector place the sample in the envelope, seal, and sign across the seal.
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For submission forms and collection kits for hair or blood sampling, please contact ADGA
Storage and transport
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Store the samples dry at room temperature, away from sunlight
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It is extremely important to keep hair samples dry upon collection and shipment. DNA within hair can degrade very rapidly if left in harsh condition such as rain or moisture.
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Do not store in plastic bags because condensation can occur.
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Ship at room temperature in envelopes.
Correctly stored samples are stable for several years and can be sent for analysis as required. Consider sampling and storing for future use.
For more information, refer to the Fourth Quarter, 2005 issue of News & Events or at http://www.adga.org/SuperiorGenetics.html.
Lisa Shepard
ADGA Performance Programs Coordinator
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