DNA Testing

DNA Testing

ADGA’s DNA Testing Program provides official DNA profiles that may be used to confirm an animal’s identity, verify pedigree information, and identify genetic information. Maintaining accurate DNA records supports the integrity of the ADGA registry and helps breeders make informed breeding decisions.

DNA Requirements for Bucks

Bucks born on or after January 1, 2024, must have a DNA profile on file with ADGA before any of their offspring can be registered.

The buck may be registered before DNA testing is completed; however, registrations for his offspring cannot be processed until his DNA profile is on file.

Members are encouraged to submit DNA samples early, especially before a buck is sold, transferred, leased or otherwise becomes unavailable.

Why Place DNA on File?

An official DNA profile may be used to:

  • Confirm an animal’s identity
  • Qualify or exclude potential parents
  • Verify pedigree information
  • Resolve registration or parentage questions
  • Support the accuracy and integrity of the ADGA registry
  • Provide breeders and buyers with greater confidence in an animal’s documented pedigree

DNA profiles are especially valuable for bucks used in multiple herds, animals used through artificial insemination or embryo transfer, and animals expected to have a significant influence within a breed.

Breeders may also wish to place DNA profiles on file for all natural-service sires. Collecting a sample while the animal is still available may prevent future registration or parentage-verification delays.

Parentage Verification

DNA testing can compare an offspring’s profile with the profiles of its possible sire and dam.

A parentage qualification indicates that the tested animal’s DNA is consistent with the listed parent. An exclusion means the tested animal could not have inherited its DNA profile from the listed parent.

When a parentage exclusion occurs, you will be contacted by ADGA’s DNA Coordinator for assistance in resolving the pedigree of the animal.
Reviewing breeding records can help with identifying additional potential parents for comparison or sampling.

A DNA profile does not determine an animal’s breed. ADGA DNA testing is used primarily for identification, pedigree verification, and parentage qualification.

Diagnostic DNA Testing

In addition to standard DNA profiling and parentage testing, members may request available tests for certain genetic conditions and traits, including:

  • Alpha S1 Casein
  • G-6-S
  • Scrapie susceptibility variants
  • Congenital Myotonia

Available testing options may vary by breed and laboratory. Members should review the current DNA testing information before submitting a request.

Requesting DNA Testing

DNA testing must be requested through ADGA before a sample is submitted to the laboratory.

Members should follow the current instructions for requesting a DNA test, collecting the appropriate sample and submitting it with the required laboratory paperwork.

Do not send a sample directly to the laboratory without first completing the ADGA request process.

Collecting and Submitting a Sample

Carefully follow the sampling instructions provided for the selected test. Improperly collected, contaminated or incorrectly labeled samples may delay testing or require a replacement sample.

Before submitting a sample:

  • Confirm the animal’s identifying tattoos
  • Verify that the animal information matches the DNA request
  • Clearly label the sample
  • Include the required laboratory paperwork
  • Keep a copy of the submission information for your records

When DNA is submitted using tattoos before an animal is registered, staff will need to link the DNA results after the animal is registered. You can submit a request to have DNA linked HERE.

DNA Results

The ADGA office will notify the animal’s owner when results are received and processed.

Processing time begins after the laboratory receives a usable sample and submission form. Delays may occur when samples are incomplete, mislabeled, contaminated, or require additional review.

DNA results and related records are maintained by ADGA in accordance with Association policies.

Random DNA Verification

ADGA may select animals for random DNA verification to support the accuracy and integrity of the registry.

Members whose animals are selected will receive instructions regarding sample collection, submission requirements and applicable testing costs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Visit the DNA Frequently Asked Questions page for additional information about:

  • Mandatory buck DNA requirements
  • Requesting a test
  • Collecting and submitting samples
  • Parentage qualification and exclusions
  • Diagnostic testing
  • Processing times
  • Connecting unregistered DNA results to registered animals

For assistance with an existing DNA request or result, submit a Support Ticket and include the animal’s registration number, name and any available DNA case information.