Breeders can order genotypes via their genomic ordering screen to parentage verify their animals, avail of parentage predictions AND receive Department approved Scrapie type results. All these results are for ONLY €15.00! The cost of each genotype has been subsidised by Sheep Ireland from €24.50 to €15.00, with further subsidies available from pedigree sheep societies. Breeders are advised to contact their relevant pedigree sheep societies to find out what subsidies are available to them! Once genotypes are ordered, tissue sample tags should arrive in the post approx 3-5 working days. Once DNA samples are taken, the enclosed return envelope should be used to post to the laboratory whose address is already printed on the envelope for you!
Since the kick off of genotyping back at the beginning of 2019, there have been nearly 5,000 genotypes ordered by pedigree breeders, with over 4,000 of these pedigree samples having a genotyped status on the database. This demonstrates the growing demand for parent verification of pedigree animals . We would encourage anyone who would like to have their ram lambs parentage verified at this subsidised rate prior to sales to do so ASAP.
Sheep Ireland would also strongly recommend that all stock rams are genotyped to help correct any potential parentage errors found in your flock in future. You can check if your stock ram is genotyped through your Sheep Ireland account and going to ‘Reports’ where their ‘Genomic Results’ report is populated with the genotyping status of all the animals in your flock. An animal must have an official NSIS to order a genotype for that animal, contact Sheep Ireland if you are experiencing difficulty trying to order a genotype! Preservatives used withing the DNA tags are most viable within 6 months therefore if genotypes are ordered please take sample and send to the lab ASAP after receiving the DNA tags. The longer DNA tags are left unused the less effective the preservative are which may result in an invalid genotype which requires a resample.
Click here to find out why parentage assignment is important. To find out how genotypes are handled and the timeline of the genptyping process click here.
Please have a look at the video below which demonstrates 10 steps on how to order genotypes via genomic ordering screen via your Sheep Ireland account. To read about the steps below click here and look at answers to frequently asked question.
Contact Sheep Ireland on 023 882 0451 or email [email protected] if any further assistance is required!