How to collect DNA samples for GeneMark Genomics testing

Collecting tissue samples for DNA, BVD and A2 testing is easy.

Select which Tissue Sampling Unit (TSU) is required

The sampling process for each test is the same, the only difference is the type of TSU’s you use and the storage conditions.

Collecting tissue samples

Test

Tissue sampling unit

Storage conditions

Test DNA parentage & genomic evaluation

Tissue sampling unit Wet TSU

Storage conditions Fridge

Test A2/A2

Tissue sampling unit Wet or Dry TSU

Storage conditions Fridge (Wet) or Freezer (Dry)

Test Standalone BVD (animals younger than 35 days)

Tissue sampling unit Dry TSU

Storage conditions Freezer

Test Standalone BVD (animals older than 35 days)

Tissue sampling unit Wet or Dry TSU

Storage conditions Fridge (Wet) or Freezer (Dry)

Test BVD + DNA parentage(animals younger than 35 days)

Tissue sampling unit Wet and Dry TSU (2x samples required)

Storage conditions Fridge (Wet) or Freezer (Dry)

Test BVD + DNA parentage (animals older than 35 days)

Tissue sampling unit Wet TSU

Storage conditions Fridge

Order your equipment

The only equipment you need is a GeneMark Allflex applicator gun and some GeneMark Allflex TSU’s. Each TSU kit contains 10 TSU’s. For GeneMark Genomics please ensure you order wet TSU’s.

You can order sampling equipment by:

  • Ordering via the LIC Shop
  • Calling 0800 GENEMARK (0800 436 362)
  • Contacting your local LIC rep

Sample your animals

To sample your animals follow these instructions

  • Remove the TSU from the applicator gun and put it into a ziplock bag.
  • When you’ve used all 10 TSUs in the punch kit remove the completed card and put it into the ziplock bag with the TSUs.
  • Use a new ziplock bag for each group of animals you sample (calves, cows, previous season’s progeny and natural mating bulls).

Storing your samples

  • Wet TSU’s (contain a liquid preservative) must be stored in the fridge if you are not planning on sending to the lab immediately.
  • Dry TSU’s must be stored in the freezer.

Send your samples to LIC

Send samples & filled out GeneMark Genomics submission form in courier bag provided to:

LIC Diagnostics
140 Riverlea Road
Hillcrest
Hamilton 3216

You don’t need to keep the samples chilled for couriering.

You’ll receive a confirmation email from the lab once your samples have been received.

Support

For added support, check out our handy guide below:

Get help with sampling

For first time GeneMark Genomics customers, our free Field Assist team will visit your farm to help you take the tissue samples and ensure your records are up to date. Please talk to your Agri Manager to arrange this service. See below for eligibility criteria and T&Cs.

Eligibility Criteria

New herds that sign up for GeneMark Genomics are eligible to receive three complimentary on-farm visits from our On-Farm Support team to assist with animal sampling.

Each visit includes up to eight hours of professional on-farm support.

Terms & Conditions

  • Offer includes three complimentary on-farm support visits for GeneMark DNA sampling purposes only.
  • Each visit provides a maximum of eight hours of support.
  • Unused hours cannot be carried over or redistributed across multiple days.
  • Visits may be scheduled to suit the farmer’s needs but must be used within a year of booking.

Combine GeneMark Genomics testing with A2 and/or BVD

By using the same tissue samples from GeneMark Genomics we can also test for the A2 genotype or to detect the BVD virus.

For BVD testing, what test you're getting and how old your animals are will determine what tissue sampling unit (TSU) you need to use refer to table under heading above -Select which Tissue Sampling Unit (TSU) is required