DNA FAQ

DNA Typing – Answers to Common Questions

Use the dropdowns below to browse each topic.

  • Is DNA typing of individuals mandatory?
    DNA Typing is mandatory in the following cases:
    • DNA testing is required for any buck whose semen was collected on or after June 1, 2016, before the collection will be activated and AI memos can be created. For More information regarding AI/Buck Collection summary information, see here.
    • DNA testing is required for registrations of all embryo transfer offspring and the donor parents.
    • 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.
    • All resulting offspring applying for registration when a dam is exposed to more than one sire in a ten-day period.
  • Can an animal be DNA typed with only microchip information?
    No. The animal must be tattooed; microchip identification alone is not currently accepted.
  • What information is required to place an unregistered DNA request?
    • Date of Birth
    • Sex
    • Breed
    • Tattoo and tattoo location
    • All potential sires and dams, when Individual Typing & Parentage is requested.
  • What are the types of DNA services offered by ADGA?
    1. Individual Typing + Parentage Verification
    2. Alpha s-1 casein
    3. G-6-S (N-acetylglucosamine 6-sulphatase deficiency)
    4. Scrapie variant testing
    5. Congenital Myotonia
  • What animals should I select to type?
    That is an individual decision.  However, many prefer to do their bucks, as they will have the greatest impact on the breeding program in terms of the number of animals born. Additionally, some diagnostic tests are relevant to specific breeds.
  • What if I decide to add a different test?
    An additional test may be requested if a usable sample is still available at the laboratory. If you did not originally submit the sample, permission from the original submitter may be required. Otherwise, a new sample must be submitted. Please request additional tests through the DNA Coordinator to ensure the request is linked to the previous sample utilizing the DNA Order JotForm.
  • What is the fee for DNA typing?
    Pricing is dependent on membership and enrollment
    See our Schedule of Rates and Services: Rates & Services
  • What do I need to provide to ADGA?
    Provide the animal’s registered name and registration number. For an unregistered animal, provide its sex, breed, date of birth, tattoos and tattoo locations. When requesting parentage verification, also identify all potential parents. Payment must be submitted with the request.
  • How do I order, and can it be done online?
    Yes, follow this link to learn how: Requesting DNA
    Order DNA yourself here: Online Application, or request staff to place the order for you here: Order here
  • Can I do this if I am ADGAPlus? 
    If ordering yourself, please check the box at the bottom of the order page. If you utilize the Jotform, staff will use your ADGA Plus DNA whenever available. 
  • What comes from ADGA?
    Your DNA forms will be sent to the email listed in your ADGA account, which includes the instructions for sending samples.
  • The lab (VGL) prefers what kind of sample?
    Hair is the preferred sample type. Blood, semen, and other samples may be accepted by special arrangement. Members are encouraged to collect and store extra hair in a labeled envelope kept in a dry, dark location.
    Sampling info
  • When collecting hair samples, what must be present for DNA typing to be performed?
    The hair root must be attached. Cut hair cannot be used for DNA testing. It helps to have the hair clean, and there are sites that are easier to pull your sample from, such as withers.
  • Can I submit a straw if I was not the owner of the buck? 
    Yes.
  • How discriminating is the test?
    The laboratory uses an established marker panel and may evaluate additional markers when the initial results are not conclusive. This may help distinguish closely related animals and identify offspring from different sires. However, the lab may request that additional samples be submitted. An example would be a request for the dam when two sire options qualify without the dam considered.
  • If parents are typed after offspring, will updates occur? 
    Once animals are on file, we will compare them to any offspring that are on file. NOTE: Some older records are missing parent verification where possible, and the DNA teams are adding it as they find them.
  • How long does it take to get results?
    Most laboratory results are returned within two to eight weeks after a usable sample is received. Additional time may be needed for ADGA processing, parentage review, or incomplete submissions.
  • How will I be notified of my DNA results?
    Your results will be emailed to you and entered into NG (Next Generation)
  • How are results reported?
    Standard DNA results may be reported as Individual Profile, Sire Qualified, Dam Qualified, or Parent Qualified. Diagnostic and trait-test results are reported according to the laboratory’s terminology.
  • Where are results published?
    DNA ID & Parent Qualification are listed on pedigrees. DNA & public diagnostic results can also be seen on ADGA Genetics & NG. All diagnostic tests requested 1/1/2021 or after by the breeder/owner are public.
  • If I had the animal typed privately, can it be included in the database?
    ADGA will accept DNA and Diagnostic results from approved laboratories if the original reports are sent from the testing laboratory.  See our Rates and Services page for current pricing.