While DNA testing for cattle breeding is not a service offered by IDENTIGENE, there are many reasons to use it in today’s cattle farming industry. For example, a farmer may test new cattle for paternity in a multiple-bull breading pasture. Reasons for this include determining whether a bull is not breeding as often as others or which bull is producing calves with “defects.”
Other farmers have been known to test the DNA of their cattle before breeding them in order to mitigate passing on less desirable traits. There are a few major traits being tested for currently, one of which is curly calf syndrome. This type of DNA Testing is done in an attempt to ensure that only the best cattle are reproducing.
marty higdon says
I have a problem with a neighbor ,he taged 3 of my cows , the next day after them getting out.I got the cows back ,now he tells the sheriff i stole them from him .One of the cows have a calf that he didnt know about ,he tells the sheriff that i got a calf and the cow claimed it.Can i have the cow & calf tested to prove its her calf?
Amber says
Hello Marty,
We do not offer DNA testing for animals, however, I did some research for you and there are companies that may be able to assist you. Here are two sites for you to view: http://www.igenity.com and/or http://www.biogeneticservices.com If you select a search engine and search for “cattle genetic testing” you may find other options as well.
Diane M Hamrick says
Is there a DNA test to determine the breed of cow ? I have a cow that was sold to me as Jersey tho I believe her to be a cross bred. I would like to test her to be certain of her breed/breeds.
Identigene says
Hi, Diane. There are different DNA tests for cattle out there, although our company doesn’t do them. These tests are generally for determining a calf’s genetic potential, but I’ve never seen one for actual breed determination. I suggest you do a Google search.
Diane M Hamrick says
In my searching I found that the Veterinary Genetic Lab at UC Davis does a limited breed test for $120. You can contact them via their website VGL.UCDavis for breed list , forms & info .
Identigene says
Nice! Thanks for sharing.
Ben says
Hey is this a special kit? or can we just by the standard kit and send that in?
HomeDNA Identigene says
Hi, Ben. You should ask a large-animal vet, since that’s their area of expertise.