SNP DNA Testing Summary

SNPs Summary

The profile of the breed has increased significantly in the last few years, with a leap in both demand and value. We have been at the forefront of ensuring the integrity of our pedigrees which must be maintained by making this change to the SNP DNA testing technique. In basic terms…. both the mothers and the fathers have to be re-sampled by hair to be tested by SNP DNA technique in order to register (sire and dam verify/prove) future calves.  The Board of Directors feel that we need to seize this opportunity to drive the breed to the next level and are confident the breeders will be rewarded for their support and commitment in Irish Moiled Cattle.   

SNP testing is a major project for the IMCS and requires the support of ALL breeders in order to carry out an efficient, productive and cost effective process for you as a breeder. The transition is easy for breeders if you follow and support our guidance between now and November 2021. After this time, the normal cost of €35/£30 for SNP testing the mothers and the fathers will apply. The pathway will become more difficult and expensive. Please follow the simple guidance below:

• Ensure your herd return is up to date – this is essential (a copy may be available in this mailing – please complete using whichever method is most suitable for you).
• Ensure all birth notifications are complete (ideally ASAP after birth & within 30 days max.)
• Breeders are advised to contact the Breed Secretary as soon as possible with the names of all stock bulls that will need to be SNP tested so pre-printed hair kit cards can be ordered and supplied to you by the Society. The SNP test for bulls already registered will be 100% subsidised by the Society – if submitted before Nov 2021.

• Breeders are advised to contact the Breed Secretary as soon as possible with the names of all breeding females that will need to be SNP tested so pre-printed hair kit cards can be ordered and supplied to you by the Society. The SNP test for females already registered will be heavily subsidised by the Society and will only cost €5/£5 for the breeder – if submitted before Nov 2021.

• Breeders are advised to contact the Breed Secretary as soon as possible with the names and tag numbers of all animals (calves) still to be registered as normal. These animals will be registered at the normal cost, using the new SNP technique. Both parents must be already/pending SNP test to register the progeny. As previously stated, young bulls still to be entered/registered in the Herdbook cost €85/£75 (from 1^st Feb 2021). Breeding females still to be entered/registered in the Herdbook cost €55/£50).

• Breeders must contact the Breed Secretary prior to sampling, as SNP testing can only be carried out using a special hair kit card ordered through the IMCS. The kit comprises of a hair sampling card complete with animal details pre-printed and a bag. The hair must be collected and the follicles placed on the adhesive strip before folding the card together and placing in the bag. It is important to keep the card clean and free of writing. The QR code on the bag must not be blemished in any way as this is used to identify the animal on return of the sample.
• Bull calves and other young bulls needing registered (entered into the Herdbook), require two samples. One sample must be taken using the pre-ordered hair kit. The second sample can be taken using the IMCS bag/label and regardless of origin (ROI,NI or GB), this 2^nd sample in the IMCS bag/label must be returned to the Breed Secretary.
• The Hair kit cards are ordered on your behalf from ICBF by the Society. EU (ROI) breeders will receive & return the Hair kit cards direct from/to ICBF (ROI Breeders must complete the ICBF Authorisation Form enclosed). UK (NI + GB) breeders will receive & return kits from/to the Breed Secretary, Gillian steele.

• All payments are made to the IMCS and must be made when requesting your kit/s. Therefore no payments accompany samples. Payments are ideally made through Paypal – admin@irishmoiledcattlesociety.com

Top Tips             

* Keep your herd profile on the Grassroots Database up to date – the above is easily achieved if your herd profile remains up to date  * The sample kit must remain clean and free of blemishes/writing especially the QR Code which is used for identification.  * Communicating with the Breed Secretary is key! * Regularly visit our website for Zoom links of future meetings (you may need to register).