Book an A2/A2 test
Take advantage of the growing demand for A2/A2 milk.
To book contact your LIC rep or call GeneMark on 0800 436 362.
About 30% of New Zealand dairy cows produce milk that contains only A2 beta-casein protein. These cows have two copies of the A2 allele that make up the beta-casein gene – A2/A2.
If you want to set up a herd that produces A2/A2 milk, every animal in the herd must be A2/A2. You must also breed with bulls that are A2/A2.
See A2 bulls for more information about how to select suitable bulls for breeding.
A2 testing options
Milk test (via herd test samples)
We analyse a milk sample from every animal that is collected during a herd test to identify what animals are A2/A2, A1/A2 or A1/A1.
You can test:
- Whole herd (all cows at herd test)
- Partial herd (a select group of cows, extra admin fee of $49.95 + GST, minimum 10 cows).
To book: please fill in the A2/A2 submission form.
Results: Are emailed to you and uploaded to MINDA in about 10 working days.
Tissue test
We analyse a tissue sample from each animal to identify what animals are A2/A2, A1/A2 or A1/A1.
There are two options:
a) Combine with GeneMark Genomics test
Combine A2 testing with DNA parentage or BVD testing.
b) Standalone A2 Tissue Testing
Collect and send samples just for A2 testing.
To book a tissue test: please fill in the GeneMark Genomics Sample Submission form.
See Collecting tissue samples for A2 tissue testing or BVD testing for information about how to collect and send tissue samples for an A2 test as part of GeneMark Genomics testing.
Getting the results:
Milk test
You’ll receive the results by email approximately 10 working days after we receive the samples. We’ll also upload them to MINDA.
Tissue test
You’ll receive the results by email 3 weeks after we receive the samples. We’ll also upload them to MINDA.
A2/A2 Genotype Test Prices
|
Test |
Sample type |
Results turnaround time |
Price per sample |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Test Retrospective A2/A2* |
Sample type Not required |
Results turnaround time 5-7 working days |
Price per sample $14.00 |
|
Test A2/A2 |
Sample type Tissue |
Results turnaround time 3 weeks |
Price per sample $26.90 |
|
Test A2/A2 |
Sample type Milk |
Results turnaround time 10 working days |
Price per sample $25.85 + standard herd test costs |
*Available if the animal already has a G3/GEy profile.
All prices exclude GST. Prices effective as of 1st June 2025
Book an A2/A2 test
Take advantage of the growing demand for A2/A2 milk.
To book contact your LIC rep or call GeneMark on 0800 436 362.
