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The DNA Program Explained

Updates

  • Starting September 1, 2021, all DNA will be voluntary, and all DNA has to be processed through the ABGA office. (Motion unanimously passed by the ABGA Board of Directors).

  • UC Davis' current turnaround time is 15-20 business days from the date the sample is received. 

  • If samples require additional testing, no action on your part is required. No updated estimate for when testing will be completed is available.

  • As of January 1, 2022 we are no longer sending DNA stickers. Results will be sent via email, unless requested.

  • If you would like the DNA qualification reflected on your goat's Certificate of Registration, please send the certificate to the ABGA office. A $5 certificate reissue fee will be charged.

  • The future of our DNA Program... Read More

DNA test request for members in good standing (current/renewed membership). Your member number must be included to receive the member price.

Payment must be included to receive the DNA Sample Instructions.

$35

Per Animal

DNA test request for non-members or members with outstanding membership dues. 

Payment must be included to receive the DNA Sample Instructions.

$40

Per Animal

INSTRUCTIONS

(All required fields must be filled out completely).

  • Identification: All goats' DNA tested through ABGA must have ABGA identification such as their name and identifying marks or tattoo.

  • Parent Verification: If you are requesting parent verification, check the type of verification (either sire, dam, or both), and BE SURE to fill in the Sire and/or Dam registration number and Veterinary Genetics Laboratory (VGL) Case ID Number. If you do not have a VGL Case ID number, you must purchase the DNA Sample Instructions for each parent you are verifying.​

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PROCESSING TIME

  • UC Davis will EMAIL your DNA Sample Instructions to your email address within three (3) business days of ONLINE submission to ABGA.  If you did not provide an email address, the DNA Sample Instructions will be mailed to you.

  • If you do not receive your DNA Sample Instructions within 3 business days, CHECK YOUR JUNK EMAIL. If it is not there, contact the ABGA office at (325) 486-2242, or email dna@abga.org.

​PULLING AND SENDING HAIR SAMPLE

DNA Sample Instructions include instructions on how to pull the hair for the test and send it to UC Davis.

  1. Be sure to get the roots of the hair sample.

  2. Be sure to use a clean paper envelope.

  3. Be sure to write the goat's information on the envelope [name, registration number, your name].

  4. Send the DNA Sample to UC Davis following the instructions in the DNA Sample Instructions you received.

  5. Send the confirmation to ABGA.

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ABGA Rule 802–I 

In cases where the submitting party is not the owner of record, an unopened vial, straw, or other container containing semen that has been identified in accordance with Rule 401.B is required for DNA test results to be accepted by ABGA.

What does the DNA test do for me?

  • It identifies the specific genetic markers associated with the goat you have tested.

  • It allows for parent verification and future identification of that goat as the parent of any kid(s).

  • It will show on your goat’s registration papers, and on online searches people do that your goat’s identity is verified and recorded through the DNA test.

  • It will allow you to show your goat’s parentage has been verified, if you have requested parent verification.

 

What does the test do for ABGA?

  • It lets us build our database of information on registered goats. Once we have that start we can ask UC Davis to test the samples for more markers that will give us the opportunity to improve our animals.

 

Will DNA be used for research?

  • Yes.  UC Davis retains the right to use all samples stored at the VGL for research, whether the tests are performed for individuals, or for individuals through associations.

  • Research and the benefits that it can provide to producers is the main focus of the program for the ABGA.  As more members participate in the DNA testing program this will make meaningful research a reality for our animals for the first time.

 

Who owns the DNA sample?

  • All DNA samples are stored at UC Davis, and VGL retains the right to use any samples stored there for research, whether they are done for individuals,  or for individuals through registries.

  • For contract customer registries like ABGA, the registry has ultimate ownership of the sample.  However, the owner receives the results of the DNA tests requested on their goats.

  • This gives ABGA members the guarantee that should UC Davis decide to dispose of samples processed through ABGA requests, ABGA can move those samples to another facility so they are still available for research that will benefit all members.

 

Should it matter to me that the ABGA shares ownership of the sample?

  • Yes. It gives you the guarantee that your sample is safe, regardless of what UC Davis may decide in the future.

  • It makes it easier and cheaper for members to DNA test their goats, and verify parentage, if they wish to do that.

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Who gets a copy of the DNA Report listing the Markers?

  • For contract customer registries, like ABGA, the owner of the goat will receive a copy of the results to be kept with the animal, and the registry receives a copy of the results to be stored in the appropriate registry herd book.

 

Does ABGA make the DNA Report on my goat available to anyone else?

  • No, absolutely not.

  • If you want someone to have that information, you must provide it to them yourself.

 

Can I get other animals DNA results? 

  • No.  Only the owner of the DNA sample can get that information.  The member will need to contact the owner of the animal who is also the owner of the DNA to get those results.

Can I submit DNA directly to UC Davis?

  • You can submit directly to UC Davis for your own records, but unfortunately ABGA does not accept DNA results that are submitted directly to UC Davis.

 

​Can the test tell me if my goat is a percentage or fullblood?

  • No. With current information available, there is no way to tell what percentage Boer is in a goat.

 

Is there an extra fee for parent verification?

  •  No.  The ABGA included this service in our price of doing the DNA test.

 

Will I be told who the parents are?

  •  No.  The test will show how close they matched, or didn’t match what you indicated on the form.

 

Can I request parent verification of my goat(s) if I don’t own one of the parents?

  • Yes, but only if you verify parentage through ABGA, the parents are registered and have been DNA tested through ABGA.

  • The goat you are verifying parentage of must have some form of an ABGA registration or listing paper number and then all you need is the goat’s parents’ registration numbers to verify the parentage of your goat.

  • If the goat’s parents have not been DNA tested, you would need to order DNA test sample kits on the parents as well as the goat at the same time. If you verify through UC Davis, and/or your goat’s parents have not been DNA tested through ABGA, you must have the VGL Case ID number from their owner.

 

Do I need to keep a sample of the hair?

  • Both UC Davis and ABGA suggest that when you pull a sample to send in for testing, you pull another sample.  Place it in an envelope the same way you do the sample you’re sending in and write the identifying information on the envelope.  Store it in a DRY, safe place.  The best protection of your sample is to leave it in storage at UC Davis where there are documented safeguards in place.

 

Who Owns the Rights to Do Research on the Sample or Sell those Rights?

  • A sample by itself is worthless for research.  However, UC Davis retains research rights on all samples it houses, whether they come from individual customers or contract customer associations, like the ABGA.

  • Here is the language each customer receives from UC Davis: [USE OF DATA.  All Research data, including but not limited to, all notebooks, DNA typing protocols, original laboratory records, and any research reports, shall be usable by University in pursuit of its mission of teaching, research and public service.  University reserves the right, subject to individual confidentiality requirements, to publish any or all research results developed from such data.] 

Frequently Asked DNA Questions

Animated DNA helix.

Request DNA Testing

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