AI Sire and Donor Dam Requirements
- Why do I need to get my AI Sires and donors tested?
- What are the requirements for foreign AI sires and donors?
- My donor was flushed and died before proper testing was done. What can I do?
- How can I transfer DNA testing from another association to ASA?
Why do I need to get my AI Sires and donors tested?
As of July 2020, ASA effectively replaced the GGP-150K (formerly known as the high density panel) with the GGP-100K panel (Any animal that was previously tested with the 150K is still approved for AI or donor use). The GGP-100K is currently ASA’s minimum requirement for AI sire and donor dam approval – and failing to meet this requirement can be costly. Because of the high impact AI sires and donor dams have on the population (current or potential), it’s important to have as much genomic information on them as possible; and with 100,000 markers to yield a higher accuracy for GE-EPD (and a lower price point than the 150K at just $50/head), the 100K panel gives us that data.
In addition to the 100K panel, all AI sires and donors must be tested for any genetic
conditions for which they are at risk. ASA tracks for 7 of these: NH, AM, CA, PHA, DD, OS, and TH. To view an animal’s individual risk for these defects based on their pedigrees, and determine if additional testing is needed, go to the animal’s TraitTrac in Herdbook.
In addition to the 100K panel, all AI sires and donors must be tested for any genetic
conditions for which they are at risk. ASA tracks for 7 of these: NH, AM, CA, PHA, DD, OS, and TH. To view an animal’s individual risk for these defects based on their pedigrees, and determine if additional testing is needed, go to the animal’s TraitTrac in Herdbook.
What are the requirements for foreign AI sires and donors?
SimGenetics are frequently used in crossbreeding, which can certainly lead to headaches when trying to navigate requirements across multiple breed associations. To start, different associations and different labs don’t even use the same testing terminology all the time. For example, the American Angus Association denotes their AI/donor approval test as GS or PF50, whereas their i50K does not meet the “high density panel” requirement. Some associations may call an HD50K their high density panel, while other breeds refer to a 50K as low density and not sufficient. Because of this, ASA may ask for written clarification from the respective association where the original testing was run to determine if it met that association’s AI/donor requirements. Even if an animal was only run on a low-density 50K panel, if the foreign breed association offers that test as meeting their requirements, ASA will honor said testing.
Despite the confusion that may surround panel requirements at other breed associations, ASA requires all AI sires and donors to be tested for any genetic conditions for which they are at risk. ASA will accept genetic condition testing from any association, but it’s possible their requirements are less stringent (e.g. Maine Anjou may only test for PHA and TH, but because the animal may have Angus or mixed-breed in their pedigree, they will be flagged as potential carriers for AM, NH, and CA and require subsequent testing at ASA).
*Most breed associations have their own AI/donor requirements, and while many overlap with ASA’s, it is always recommended to reach out to the ASA DNA team first.
Despite the confusion that may surround panel requirements at other breed associations, ASA requires all AI sires and donors to be tested for any genetic conditions for which they are at risk. ASA will accept genetic condition testing from any association, but it’s possible their requirements are less stringent (e.g. Maine Anjou may only test for PHA and TH, but because the animal may have Angus or mixed-breed in their pedigree, they will be flagged as potential carriers for AM, NH, and CA and require subsequent testing at ASA).
*Most breed associations have their own AI/donor requirements, and while many overlap with ASA’s, it is always recommended to reach out to the ASA DNA team first.
My donor was flushed and died before proper testing was done. What can I do?
ASA strongly encourages members to check Herdbook or call our offices to ensure all testing requirements are met before flushing a cow; however, we understand there are circumstances beyond anyone’s control.
If the cow was flushed before a sample was collected and run for the 100K, Herdbook will not allow registration of that calf. If there was DNA on the cow (i.e., there’s a sample on file for a simple trait test like coat color), it may be possible to request a sample pull at the lab to re-run the original sample for the necessary test(s). If no sample is available, please contact the ASA DNA staff to discuss options.
If the cow was flushed before a sample was collected and run for the 100K, Herdbook will not allow registration of that calf. If there was DNA on the cow (i.e., there’s a sample on file for a simple trait test like coat color), it may be possible to request a sample pull at the lab to re-run the original sample for the necessary test(s). If no sample is available, please contact the ASA DNA staff to discuss options.
How can I transfer DNA testing from another association to ASA?
If the animal was tested through another breed association, the member may call or email that association and request confirmation of DNA testing (name of test and date) and request the SNP parentage file be shared with ASA. Information can be emailed to dna@simmgene.com. Most associations do this frequently and have a set process they follow.