Genomics
Genomics enhances an animal’s pedigree by using ancestry to determine the distribution of traits.
The Brown Swiss Association encourages breeders to test the top 25 percent of their two-year-old cows based on herdmate deviations to help identify future genetic improvers of the breed. Genomic testing is available for any animal currently owned or leased through the National Brown Swiss Association.
MALES NOW ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE FULL GENOMIC EVALUATIONS
A male registration is $50, which requires a genomics parentage test. Breeders may also request genomic results in addition to the parentage test for an additional fee (based on Council of Dairy Cattle Breeding Fees + cost of SNP). To request a male genomic evaluation (full genomic results) contact the Superintendent of Records at 608-365-4474 ext. 16 or e-mail smiranda@brownswissusa.com.
NEW GENOMIC FEES INCLUDE CHIP & CDCB FEES
Breeders will be assessed fees according to the quality of records the herd provides, with BSA/PTPR members receiving the biggest discount. When calling or emailing the office to request a genomic test, the breeder’s herdcode and whether or not he/she classifies will need to be provided as well as if the animal is to be parentage only or receive a full genomic evaluation. A waiver will need to be signed designating the animal(s) as parentage only or parentage and genomics. The option still exists to keep a WAIVER ON FILE if all animals owned by the same breeder are to receive parentage only or parentage only & genomics every time. If this changes a new waiver needs to be completed. The waivers need to be returned to the office and genomic cards paid for before an animal may be nominated to receive parentage or genomic evaluations.
*Reminder - samples need to be sent to the lab prior to the 5th of the current month to receive a genomic evaluation the next month. Parentage problems may delay a genomic evaluation.
BROWN SWISS CATTLE BREEDER’S ASSOCIATION GENOMIC FEE SCHEDULE
*All animals receiving a genomic evaluation in addition to parentage will be subject to the following fees. (These fees include the chip cost and the CDCB fees.) Fees listed below for males are in addition to the $50 registration cost, which includes the cost of parentage.
BSA/PTPR (Production & Classification Records)
Females LD - $45 HD - $125
Males LD - $20 HD - $145
CLASSIFICATION/DHIA ONLY (Production or Classification Records)
Females LD - $47 HD - $127
Males LD - $30 HD - $155
NO BSA/PTPR or CLASSIFICATION (No records)
Females LD - $50 HD - $130
Males LD - $200 HD - $325
TO REQUEST A GENOMICS EVALUATION ON AN ANIMAL THAT HAS ALREADY BEEN PARENTAGE VERIFIED:
E-mail the national office with your request to info@brownswissusa.com. Also notify the office if the animal is having genomics run by a different nominator (i.e., A.I. organization or Zoetis.) If the office is not notified, you will not receive the animal's results and the process may be held up! All parentage verification is now being done through genomics. In certain cases, for donor dams or sires for export, DNA may still be requested.
Genomic Evaluations
Genomic Evaluations occur monthly and include results from samples sent to the lab prior to the 5th of the previous month.
Protocol for Genomic Testing Animals:
- Contact National Brown Swiss office to ask for Genetic Testing Request form or e-mail info@brownswissusa.com.
- Provide animal’s registration number, method of payment and your name and email address. (Results will be e-mailed or mailed to you.)
- Once you receive a testing kit, send a sample to: GeneSeek Inc., 4665 Innovation Dr., Lincoln, NE 68521. The preferred source of material is HAIR for greater usability.
Please do NOT send samples to the Brown Swiss office.