Any breeder that has not ordered their genotype tags yet should do so as soon as possible to ensure they have results for their rams for the main ram sale season in September. See more on which animals should you genotype in this link. If you are not sure how to order genotypes, you can watch a short video by clicking here.

Depending on how quickly a breeder returns the tissue samples there is the potential to have initial results within a 4-week period (from when the Lab receive the sample).

The Steps are as follows:

1. Breeders can login to their Sheep Ireland account and select the animals they wish to genotype. This facility is open to LambPlus and non-LambPlus breeders.
2. Once the sample has been ordered the breeder should receive the DNA tags within 3-5 working days from the tag provider. The breeder takes the tissue sample and the tag should remain in the ear (if any questions about parentage results arise this tag will rule out a sampling error by the farmer). Breeders return the samples using a pre-addressed envelope.
3. Once the lab receives the samples they will be scanned into their database and the breeder will see the sample status update to “Received at the Lab”. This step can take up to 4 weeks.
4. Once the genotyping process has taken place, the lab issues a result file which is sent to the Sheep Ireland database. At this point the database automatically applies quality control checks, parentage verification is run on all genotypes and predictions are applied. Parentage results are analysed and tested before the update the breeder’s results profile. If parentage errors are found, the owner as well as the relevant society will be notified, with incorrect parentage being removed/updated. Breeders can check their results via their Genomic Results Screen on sheep.ie
5. The genotype is then included in the next genomic evaluation run, this process will take an additional 5-9 days depending on which day of the week the genotype is delivered from the lab.

Genotyping Subsidy

Subsidised genotyping applies to all LambPlus flocks at €15 per animal if their DQI is above 40%. This facility is open to all breeds. The full genotyping cost applies to non-LambPlus flocks and is €24.60 per animal, or when a LambPlus member haven’t achieved the minimum DQI required..

DNA collection

• Follow the DNA collection guide enclosed with your DNA collection Kits
• Ensure the sheep is properly restrained
• Only take samples from clean & dry ears
• Disinfect the ear after the sample is taken
• Leave the tag in the ear where possible

Handling DNA Samples

• Refrigerate samples ASAP (avoid freeze-thawing of samples)
• Send samples at the start-mid week to avoid samples being stuck in the post over the weekend