North American Piedmontese Cattle Association » North American Piedmontese Association (NAPA) - DNA sample collection instructions using FTA/Micro Blood Cards

DNA Sample Collection Instructions Using Hair, Blood Cards or Semen samples

A Guide for Collecting High-Quality Samples for DNA Analysis

The first step in any analytical testing procedure is the collection of an adequate sample. This is the foundation upon which all other steps in the process are based. Similar to building a house, it could be argued that collection of a high-quality sample is the most important step in the testing process; if the foundation isn’t strong it won’t support the remaining structure. The following guide provides detailed instructions for the collection and shipment of samples to GeneSeek/Neogen Lab.

Please Note: BEFORE you ship any samples to the Lab, you MUST first email the DNA REQUEST FORM to NAPA and receive back a DNA MANIFEST that you print and include with the samples. See the Printable Forms Page to download the DNA REQUEST FORM. If you mail samples to the Lab without the MANIFEST the order will be rejected.

Sample Format

GeneSeek / Neogen accepts cattle samples as Tissue (TSU) samples AND in three other formats: blood, semen, or hair.

Hair Sample Collection Instructions

1. Pull (do not cut) hair from tail switch, not tail head.

2. Make sure hair is free of fecal material and dirt. Roots must be clearly visible. Approximately

20 to 30 hair roots are needed.

3. Write the animal’s ID number on the collector in the space provided.

4. Open the collector and peel back the plastic cover.

5. Insert the root end of the hair in the middle of the collector. Close the collector by sealing the plastic cover over the hair and then insert the tab into the slot.

6. Trim the excess hair extending from the collector. Put all collectors in the plastic specimen bag for shipment. Please call for instructions on shipping tissue samples other than hair.

Blood Sample Collection Instructions

Step 1: Label the MicroCard from the Sample Collection Kit with the appropriate animal’s identification number (i.e. tag, tattoo or registration number).

DNA Sample step two: piercing the ear with the needle

Step 2: Remove a new hypodermic needle from its plastic cover. (photo 2: piercing the ear with the needle). Holding the tip of the animal’s ear, use the needle to gently pierce the ear two or three times with each piercing about one-eighth of an inch from each other.

Step 3: Wait 5 to 10 seconds for a drop of blood to form. Holding the back of the MicroCard, open the matchbook-styled cover and press the printed circle to the blood on the topside of the ear. If more blood is needed for the sample, press the circle on the drop of blood on the underside of the ear.

Step 4: For a sufficient sample, the blood blot should fill at least half of the area of the circle. When finished, safely discard the used needle.

Step 5: Repeat steps 1-4 for each animal being tested; always use a new needle for each animal sampled.

Step 6: Keep sample cards separated until the bloodstains are dry. Fill out the DNA REQUEST FORM and email it to NAPA, making sure to match the ID number on the Blood Card with the corresponding ID number on the paperwork.

Semen Samples

Semen straws must be clearly labeled with appropriate animal identification. To prevent damage or loss of the sample during transport, make sure the straws will not get bent or crushed by taping them between pieces of cardboard or placing them into a hollowed out ball point pen sleeve. There is no need to send semen straws on ice or liquid nitrogen. You may also squeeze the contents of a semen straw onto an official Blood Card - allow it to dry well - label it with the bull's Tattoo and registration number.

Shipping

1. Samples should be stored and shipped at room temperature.

2. Do not place Blood Card samples in plastic baggies as this does not allow adequate drying of the blood sample on the card.

3. Make sure to include the DNA MANIFEST for the Order provided by NAPA.

4. Do NOT submit testing fees to the Lab. NAPA will invoice you for the DNA testing and will release results once fees have been paid.

5. Mail samples and DNA MANIFEST by regular U.S. mail to:

Neogen Genomics

4131 N. 48th Street

Lincoln, NE 68504