DNA Testing
Since 2007, Bairnsley has performed DNA analysis on our animals for the purpose of verifying their parentage, and more recently, testing for Pestivirus PI (Persistently Infected) (What is Pesitvirus?)and homozygous black in our black animals.
Prior to 2023, we had always used tail hair samples (How to do this?) but more recently ear notch tissue samples (TSU – How to do this?). These samples are submitted to a laboratory where they are analysed and results reported back 4-6 weeks later. TSU samples appear to be an extremely simple method of collecting a contamination-free DNA sample that can last decades and be used for many, many different tests, now and into the future as further tests become available.
MiP or SNP? – Put simply, MiP is the old, very basic technology, SNP is newer technology with significant potential beyond just parentage verification (which both do accurately). CLICK HERE to know more.
These parentage verification DNA results are compared with the gene markers of both parents to confirm (or deny) that they were indeed the sire and dam, in exactly the same way DNA profiles are used in our courts where disputes over parentage occur with children. We have done this to provide an absolute guarantee for those purchasing cattle from us that they are who we say they are.
No breeder can ever be 100% sure that every calf born has a known sire. Sometimes a bull can jump a fence and get back without anyone noticing. Sometimes AI straws get mixed up. While we all do our utmost to prevent these accidents, they still occasionally happen. At Bairnsley, for a long time we have chosen to take any doubt out of the equation with our calves. It is only since 1st January, 2024 that the Australian Highland Cattle Society elected to start requiring the same verification for every animal registered in the Australian herd book.
We personally have heard of many stories about a particular Highland’s pedigree being called into question, and some breeders knowingly allowing incorrect parentage to be recorded as fact. But mistakes can happen also – one bull we tested made us very glad we were doing this as he was not by the sire we nominated (he was born 11 days late to AI, so we assumed that the pick-up bull was his sire) – this test confirmed that his sire was indeed the AI bull!
| What happened with Philip 1st of Hi-Arrow? This is the process that lead to the discovery of the real sire of Philip 1st of Hi-Arrow (Can 9,609) in November, 2010. An initial DNA test was performed to verify that Philip of Strathallan (UK 6,983) was his sire, and an eroneous result showed up. Upon further testing, it was confirmed that he was indeed not the sire. At this stage all the DNA results on record for possible AI sires and live bulls that could have been the sire of Barbara Goalach of Talbot’s calf showed a perfect match for Bart of Benmore (UK 7,177). This was an AI sire present in the tank at the same time as Philip of Strathallan and one would guess that the AI technician picked the wrong straw out (& obviously didn’t check the name on the straw) and this was the calf that resulted. Although this should never really happen, I think we can all see that it would be quite possible. At the same time, Barbara Goalach of Talbot was confirmed as the dam. Thank goodness for DNA tests and DNA records. |
How Accurate are these Tests?
The simple answer is – extremely accurate. There are a number of alleles possible at each of the gene sites and so the chance an individual animal being the same as another is many billions to one. This international standard allows similar labs to report their DNA profiles in the same way so that they can be easily compared & scrutinised.
Occasionally an erroneous results will crop up for one particular marker of the 19, and while you still probably have the correct sire & dam, the DNA analysis can be repeated to be sure. If there is still a problem, then second sample from each animal (calf, sire and dam) should be re-submitted.
Other DNA Tests
There are a number of other DNA tests available at the moment. Zoetis (& Neogen) has tests for colour (red versus black), pestivirus PI detection (What is Pestivirus?) and myostatin genes (like nt821). The nt821 gene was first found in Highlands in October 2023 (more information on nt821).
Neogen provides a full spectrum of tests on beef cattle for characteristics such as potential for calving ease, milkability, carcass characteristics and temperament. For breeds that have large numbers that report their actual real data to their breed society or BREEDPLAN for EBV’s, this testing is an extremely useful tool to predict a calf’s genetic potential. Sadly, there is no data on record for Highland cattle (anywhere in the world) that could create a reference population to make this kind of genetic testing valuable – yet! Given time, interest, and at least 1 few thousand recordings of hard data in tested animals, and it may become one of many tools that we use to judge a live animal.