Holstein Canada: Services

Genotyping Testing Options

There are 2 simple ways to submit a sample for genotyping:

To collect a tissue sample, you will require an Allflex tissue applicator and a tissue sampling unit or TSU.
Using the applicator and TSU, you will collect sample directly from the ear.
Each TSU contains stabilization and transportation medium.
TSU’s can be used to collect tissue samples for all animals regardless of age.
Click here to learn more about how to properly use tissue sampling units for genotyping.
If you would like to order tissue sampling units, order through our online store.

Comb or brush the tail area at the upper part of the switch to remove any foreign material. Dirty, contaminated samples will not be processed
If necessary, wash and rinse area with water and allow time to dry before taking samples
Use withers, topline, or ears as alternatives
Collect 35 to 50 hair roots/follicles to ensure better test results
Click here to read more about how to properly pull hair for genotyping.

Blood is generally used for Freemartin testing
It is not recommended that blood be drawn from an animal that is under 6 weeks of age
Use a tube with a purple or green stopper
Bleed until tube is about 3/4 full
Keep sample from heating or freezing
Not available for purchase

To increase reliability and accuracy of genetic evaluations
To select the 'right' heifers at an earlier age
To enable faster genetic progress in your herd
To optimize mating of heifers
To help make more informed marketing and management decisions
To recover return on investment for the cost of rearing heifers
To correct existing parent error
To be informed of non-observable genetic conditions (Beta-Casein, Cholesterol Deficiency etc.)

Clarifide at Holstein Canada includes an HD Canadian SNP Evaluation AND:

Beta Casein – A2A2	Recessive Red Coat Colour
Kappa Casein – BB	Variant Red Coat Colour
Alpha S–1 Casein	Holstein Cholestoral Deficiency – HCD
Beta Lactoglobulin	DUMPS
BLAD	Cirtullinemia
Chondrodysplasia	Polled
Brachyspina (Optional at $55.00)	CVM

US Genomic Values:
Holstein Females: 12
Holstein Males: $285

Genetic Recessive & Coat Colour Transmitting Codes
Recessive Test	Genetic Recessive Descriptions	Price
BL - BLAD	Deficiency of a normally occurring protein needed for white blood cells or leukocytes, which are body’s infection fighters.	Included
CC - Coat Colour	To identify colours & colour transmission.	Included
BY - Brachyspina	Causes abortions, stillborn, shortened spinal cord, long legs and abnormal organs.	$55
CV - CVM	Causes abortions, stillborn, and early embryonic losses.	Included
PL - Polled	Polled in Holstein refers to the absence of horns and scurs—animals born naturally hornless. The polled characteristic in cattle is inherited as a simple, dominant gene. Therefore, horns result from two copies of the recessive gene at that location on the chromosome.	Included
DP - DUMPS	One of many enzymes contributing to normal metabolic processes.	Included
Beta Casein A2	A1 A2 Milk protein.	Included (or $15 standalone with no SNP evaluation)

Parentage
Parentage	Description	Price
Microsatellite (MS)	Standardized test for parentage verification to support Herd Book integrity. Request can be upgraded to LD, LD Plus or MD test. MS may be required to support exchange of data internationally, related to export of semen embryos and live animals.	$45 Note: Parentage verification can be conducted using LD, LD Plus and MD Testing