DNA Test Requests
When submitting a DNA test request, consideration should be given to the choice of laboratory, sample type and the intended outcome of the test. DNA test requests can be submitted online through Helical or via email to [email protected]
Once a submission has been reviewed and approved by a Member Services Officer (MSO), an automated email is sent to the email address recorded on the membership. This email includes an Acknowledgement Letter, which outlines the details of the submitted request as well as the laboratory postage information.
The Acknowledgement Letter must be printed and submitted with the samples which are sent directly to the nominated laboratory.
DNA Test Request Resources
For additional support, please refer to the following guides:
- Animal ID Formats for DNA Test Requests
- The importance of keeping cattle tag numbers consistent
- Sample IDs for DNA Testing
- Submitting DNA through Helical
- Submitting a Test Request for Stored (C-Banked) Samples
Results & Feedback
Once samples are received by the laboratory, DNA testing typically takes approximately 6–8 weeks for results to be returned to the Australian Wagyu Association (AWA). In most cases, genomic SNP results used for parent verification are received earlier than genetic condition results.
Upon receipt, genomic SNP results are used by the AWA for in-house parent verification, ensuring a controlled and consistent process. Once parent verification is complete, an email is sent to the membership email address. This includes parentage results, a pre-filled registration form, and any Parentage Awaiting Feedback items requiring further action.
Both parentage and genetic condition results can also be viewed directly in Helical, where the progress bar displayed alongside each test request indicates how many results have been returned.
Genetic Conditions Results
Animals that have been tested will have definitive results being Free, Carrier or Affected. Animals that haven’t been tested may show percentage probabilities based on GeneProb or show as Free Untested (FU) based on Pedigree information.
BVDV Results
BVDV results are reported as:
If a positive result is returned the member can opt to do confirmatory testing.
Parentage Awaiting Feedback Report
Where clarification is required, a Parentage Awaiting Feedback report is issued alongside the results via email. This information is also accessible within Helical, allowing members to review and address outstanding items at any time.
To resolve DNA feedback items, members must email [email protected] with the relevant animal details and proposed resolution. Common issues identified in Parentage Awaiting Feedback reports include:
- Nominated parents not verifying or concerns regarding parent suitability
- Mismatch between the genotyped sex and the sex recorded at the time of test request
The purpose of this feedback process is to ensure the highest possible level of accuracy in parentage determination and maintain the integrity of herd records.
Call Rates
The call rate refers to the integrity of the genotype and overall quality of the DNA sample. A low call rate may affect:
- Parentage analysis involving the animal and its progeny; and
- The ability for the animal’s genotype to be included in the genetic evaluation and receive genomically enhanced WBVs.
Call rates provide an indication of genotype quality and can help identify potential issues with the DNA sample or testing outcome.
Call Rate Guide:
Recollects and Failed Samples
A sample may be flagged as a recollect if it arrives at the laboratory and is visually assessed as unsuitable for testing before analysis begins. Typical reasons include:
- TSU or hair card collector is empty
- TSU has leaked and the tissue sample is shriveled up and starting to degrade
- No hair follicles are present on the hair sample
- Insufficient hair follicles have been collected (a minimum of 40 follicles is recommended to allow for potential retesting)
- Hair sample collected before animal is three months of age and the follicles are not developed
- Hair sample is heavily soiled
- Hair sample is wet and/or mouldy
These samples do not proceed to laboratory testing and are immediately flagged as recollects.
A failed sample differs from a recollect. Failed samples have passed the initial visual assessment and proceeded through laboratory testing. However, despite completing the testing process, the sample does not produce results of sufficient quality to generate conclusive outcomes. In these cases, the sample is classified as failed and a new sample must be collected and submitted for testing.
Common Reasons why a sample might fail:
- Biological contamination – for example, heavily soiled samples contaminated with manure, dirt, or other organic material.
- Chemical contamination – for example, exposure to insect repellents, disinfectants, cleaning agents, or other chemicals.
- Improper storage – for example, prolonged exposure to heat, such as leaving samples in a vehicle or direct sunlight for extended periods.
