GenomNZ: DNA Testing

What happens to my samples once they arrive at the lab?

For a full rundown of our laboratory processes, please see the youtube video above.

What genotyping platforms does GenomNZ offer?

GenomNZ routinely performs genotyping utilizing several methods. Please contact us if you wish to discuss additional genotyping methods.

Illumina iScan – MD and HD chips available
Illumina NovaSeq genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS)
Illumina NovaSeq genotyping-in-thousands by sequencing (GT-seq)

When can I expect my results?

GenomNZ has specific turn-around times on a per species basis that reflects the technologies and techniques used to genotype those individual species.

Sheep and Cattle – four weeks from receipt of the samples and accompanying information.

Deer, Goat Aquaculture - six weeks from receipt of the samples and accompanying information.

Please be aware that we require a complete submission form, customer account form (if not an existing customer), and animal/sample information form before we can begin processing your samples. For parentage analysis, it is vital we receive a list of all sires and dams used in the mating of those animals. The turn-around time begins once we have received all the required information.

What happens to my samples once they arrive at the lab?

The DNA is extracted, purified, and quality checked. It is then batched and processed based on its species:

Sheep and Cattle – 96 samples are put onto a plate and genotyped on an Illumina iScan

Deer, Goat Aquaculture – 384 samples are plated and genotyped on an Illumina NovaSeq

The genotypes are then quality checked and loaded onto our database for analysis.

Results are then generated and sent back to you.

What sample types do you accept?

GenomNZ accepts the Allflex Tissue Sampling Unit (TSU) as its sample-type of choice. These are simply a small tissue punch taken from the ear of the animal, much like a visual tag.

We can supply these in boxes of 10, as well as the Allflex TSU applicator (please contact us for pricing).

We also accept semen samples but please be aware these come with an additional surcharge.

For enquires of additional sample types, please email us and we will be able to inform you if the submission of these samples is possible. If so, please beware it is likely it incur a surcharge due to the additional work needed to process them in our lab.

How do I use the Allflex TSU applicator?

This link(external link) gives you a full step-by-step guide to using the applicator.

What is the difference between Wet and Dry TSUs?

Allflex TSUs come in two varieties, Dry and Wet.

Dry TSUs – must be chilled after sampling, and frozen at the end of the session. They must then be couriered with sufficient ice packs to keep them chilled during transit.

Wet TSUs – contain a preservative liquid which protect the sample for degradation. These should be chilled at the earliest convenience and can be couriered at room temperature.

GenomNZ no longer stocks Dry TSUs.

For Sheep, should I genotype my sires using a mid-density (60K) or high-density (600K) chip?

To maintain flock imputation accuracy, B+LNZ Genetics recommends the following:

• Maternal & Terminal Sires – 50K* or higher is required.
  • Products on the market that meet this criteria are
    • AgResearch 60K
    • AgResearch HD (600K)

*50K means the standard Illumina 50K that has been used to inform the B+LNZ Genetics imputation panel.

To help future proof, the AgResearch HD can be used for sire genotyping.

For breeds that are currently not included in either evaluation, the same recommendations apply.