The Sheep Genomic 80K Plus Package
The first Scrapie genotyping service providing UK sheep breeders with a comprehensive offer of eight additional markers for commercial traits, together with the ability to verify parentage and pedigree, has been launched by Innovis Breeding Services in partnership with GenomNZ, New Zealand’s leading commercial animal DNA genotyping laboratory.
Called the Sheep Genomic 80K Plus Package, all samples will be collected using Allflex Tissue Sampling Units (TSU’s) and analysed using an 80,000 SNP assay which has full global compatibility and has been validated across New Zealand and UK flocks. The platform was developed in New Zealand where the service was developed by the country’s agriculture and bio-tech company, Bioeconomy Science Institute supported by decades of national and international research.
The comprehensive service includes reporting of single gene tests, genotypes of choice made available to Signet or SIL for genomic selection. As with Innovis’ previous service, individual certificates of Scrapie genotype and type will also be made available to present at society sales. Over time, the service will enable breed societies to check parentage and verify pedigree of individual animals whilst building a DNA archive that can be used for research and breed development. The Allflex TSU sampling device is easy to use and when applied the applicator harvests a small amount of tissue (less than 5mm in diameter) from the animal’s ear which is immediately deposited into the preservation liquid in the TSU where it remains until it is removed by the laboratory. The TSU features a clean and uncontaminated sample collection system and can be used in animals as young as one-day-old.
Geneticist, Dr Janet Roden comments: “The new service will provide increased accuracy in breeders’ genetic evaluations and in addition to markers for Scrapie and parentage, the platform offers gene marker tests of particular interest to UK breeders including meat and fat yield, number of lambs born and specific health traits.”
She adds: “The Sheep Genomic 80K Plus Package will enable the UK sheep industry to not only benefit from ground-breaking science discoveries in New Zealand and UK flocks but it will also contribute towards building an infrastructure for the sector as it transitions to using genomics for selection purposes.”
NSA CEO Phil Stocker comments: “I really welcome the launch of this new service connecting Scrapie genotyping with a number of commercial traits through a one-off tissue sample. The UK sheep industry really is at a junction where productivity and efficiency are crucial. We no longer have the cushion of support payments, and our sheep enterprises will be better off by driving efficiency gains without dismantling our core values and the way the industry does its business. This starts with the ability to identify the best of our genetics across our breeds, and then, so much is based on measures to promote health and resilience.”
Helen Sheppard, Allflex ID technical manager says: “As leaders in animal health technologies MSD Animal Health is delighted to support the launch of ‘The Sheep Genomic 80K Plus Package’ by supplying our unique Allflex Tissue Sampling Unit (TSU) for collecting tissue samples. This unique, easy-to-use device boasts a clean and uncontaminated sample collection system that will help farmers and scientists with the process of shaping the future of the UK sheep industry.”
The service will operate on a six-week turnaround and will be managed by Innovis Breeding Services. This includes handling enquiries, sample collection, provision of Allflex TSU’s and applicators, dispatch, and the return of results. More detailed interpretation and advice on how best to use the results can also be provided on request.