Resources
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Instructions for the use of Allflex Tissue Sampling Units (TSU), detailing how to assemble and charge the pliers, and how to take and store a tissue sample from an animal's ear.
neXtPredict is a genomics-only selection tool for Merinos. It has been developed by Sheep Genetics and is delivered in a partnership between neXtgen Agri and Weatherbys.
This guide will help you understand and interpret genomic testing results in cattle by explaining common terms and what the results mean for your animals.
- Biological Contamination
- Cross contamination between samples/animals
- Dirt or Faeces in with sample
- Chemical contamination (cleaning agents, sanitiser, insect repellent)
- Dye or Pigment from animal markers
- Exposure to heat (leaving in the car or in hot sun)
- Wet weather - water sin with sample media can cause mould
- Insufficient sample - not enough DNA to process for testing
- Extended sample storage - DNA degrades over time
Allflex TSUs, Applicators & TSU racks can be purchased directly from Weatherbys Scientific.
Please get in touch today to place an order.
Please see our Resources page for instructions on how to take a TSU, hair or semen sample as well as shipping instructions.
Tissue Sampling Units or TSUs use an ear punch to take a small tissue sample stored directly into a sealed vial marked with a barcode for traceability.
This method of sampling is very time efficient, takes a sample with a large quantity of DNA and reduces the risk of contamination
Weatherbys accepts Tissue Sampling Units (TSUs), Tail Hairs or Semen samples. TSUs are preferred. Researchers please be in touch for queries about alternative sample types.
Single nucleotide polymorphisms (pronounced “snips”) are locations in the genome where the DNA is known to vary. We use SNPs to identify traits and predict genetic potential. SNPs are why we see such genetic diversity within species and breeds.
The Weatherbys Bovine VERSA 85K SNP Chip reports data on 85,000 points in the Bovine DNA, similarly the Ovine VERSA 60K reports 60,000 points in the Ovine DNA.
Genomic testing or genotyping is the process of analysing an animal’s DNA to understand their genetic merit, identify potential health risks and reliably predict future performance in the herd through further breeding value analysis. When we perform genotyping, we are reading the DNA sequence, turning the physical sample from your animal into a digital DNA map of sorts. This map is commonly referred to as a genotype and is made up of a combination of SNPs. The order and placement of these SNPs, help us to identify genetic differences between your cattle, read specific DNA locations to recognise traits and genetic conditions and identify parentage information. All of this in combination will be added into the system that works to provide you with GEBVs or Genomically Enhanced Breeding Values.
