Igenity Testing Services

Igenity is a revolutionary new way to identify an animal’s genetic potential, helping producers to breed, raise, manage, milk and market cattle at an optimum level. Igenity testing gives dairy and beef producers the ability to know now, instead of discovering an animal’s potential only after seeing it succeed or fail in the milk string or when the animal is marketed. This gives producers one more resource to improve the efficiency and profitability of their operations. It also holds the potential to add value throughout the beef and dairy industries.

Test Options:

  • Igenity Profile™ (for dairy)
    A comprehensive profile of productive life, fertility, dairy form, milk production rates, somatic cell score, coat color, genetic recessives and cheese production.  Igenity profile is also available with CVM and/or BVD.
    • Igenity MultiMARK™ - Provides the most comprehensive, integrated DNA profile.  Is a powerful complement to PTAs and other selection tools, which can add greater precision to your selection decisions. 
    • Igenity Opti-YIELD™ - Identities a variation in the DGAT1 gene which positively affects milk yield and composition, without negatively affecting fertility.
    • Igenity ComponentMaker™ - Tests for a natural variation in the BGHR gene that allows producers to identify genetic potential for milk component.
    • Igenity RealRED™ - Identifies animals that carry the red coat color allele – even if the animal is black.

  • Igenity Parent Verification
    Parentage verification test.
  • Igenity Profile™ (for beef)
    A comprehensive profile of carcass composition including yield grade, hot carcass weight, ribeye area, fat thickness, marbling and tenderness.  Coat color and multi-sire parentage are also part of the profile.

Sample collection

DNA Sample Collection Instructions

  • Collect samples properly and record them accurately using the Sample Information Form.
  • Make sure the hair bulb (also called the root or follicle) is intact in all samples – DNA will be extracted from the hair bulb.
  • Pulling the hair is the best way to make sure the hair bulb remains intact – DO NOT REMOVE HAIR SAMPLES from animals by cutting.
  • Tests should be made only on healthy animals.
  • Gather between 20 to 30 hair strands from the tail switch of the animal, making sure that you grab the hairs near the base.  If necessary, comb the tail hair to ensure strands are clean of manure or debris.
  • Quickly pull the hairs out.
  • Inspect hairs closely to make sure the roots are intact.
  • Use a separate collection card for each animal.
  • Clean hands between samples.




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Tests are run on hair samples, making sample collection easy.

Price

  
Igenity Profile (dairy) $35.00
Igenity Parent Verification $20.00
Igenity Profile (beef)

$38.00

To order your testing kit, visit with your local NorthStar Cooperative representative.

 

IGENITY® is a registered trademark of Merial®.  Profile, MultiMARK, Opti-YIELD, ComponentMAKER and Real RED are trademarks of Merial®.