IMPORTANT New Registration/DNA Procedures Are in Effect As was reported in the Fall issue, the procedures for DNA parent verification and registration have changed as of November 1. These changes were necessary to a) keep up with an everincreasing volume of registrations as the ALR grows, and b) make it possible to submit registrations, especially fullbloods, online via the new web site. Here is an overview intended to help everyone adapt to the new routine. Members will now work directly with MMI to parent-verify their fullblood animals using DNA. This also provides the opportunity to request other optional tests from the same sample and some cost savings can be gained by ìbundlingî these tests. To order DNA supplies, call 800-311-8808, ext. 3016, or go to www.BreedTru.com. It is recommended that members always keep DNA supplies on hand. If the supplies are available, it might be convenient to collect a DNA sample while the animal is already caught up for another reason and not have to work them again just to collect DNA. The BEST sample is a small amount of blood on a Microcard. Hair and semen samples are accepted but with a surcharge of $7 per sample. In the case of twins a hair sample will be necessary. DNA samples should be sent to MMI Genomics along with a sample submission form. It is important to fill out the sample submission form completely, including tattoo, date of birth, registration numbers of sire and dam, etc. Keep in mind that the information on the DNA report will have to match up with the registration application later. On the sample submission form you also need to indicate how you want to receive your results from MMI. If you want to later register this animal via the ALR web site, you should request emailed results. You will then be able to upload the DNA report when you enter the registrations. You can also indicate that you want the ALR to receive a copy of your DNA report. Any reports that are received will be saved as an electronic “backup” copy. However you are still responsible for submitting the DNA report along with your registration application. If your DNA report(s) show qualification to the sire and dam as individuals and also the mating combination, you are all set to proceed with registration. If not, you will need to double-check your herd records and contact MMI to resolve the issue and achieve parent verification. If your registrations are for percentage cattle requiring no additional documents, or for fullbloods that only require a DNA report, they are perfect candidates for online registration. If A.I/breeding certificates, embryo recovery sheets, etc. will be required, the registrations should still be submitted on paper and ALL the required documents should be enclosed with the application(s), a completed self billing worksheet and payment. As of this writing, the ALR has 697 members. It is no longer feasible to try and match up pending applications with other documents that have come in from different sources and/or at different times. Our current volume of incoming work mandates handling each batch of work only once, not several times over. Registrations should be submitted with all necessary documents so that they can be completely processed when they are started. Work not qualified for processing will be returned. If you follow the current procedure, you should receive reliable and prompt service on your registrations and other services. If work is submitted without payment, documents required by the Rules, signatures, etc., you will not only delay your own service but also the service that other members receive. Once you have reviewed the registration forms, instructions and Rules for registration, please don’t hesitate to contact the office for assistance if you still have a question. Answering specific questions is one of the things we can do best. Questions that are too broad or vague are almost impossible to answer correctly because there are so many “IF’s” and unknown variables. Before submitting your work, please give it a once-over and make sure everything is signed and dated and that all required information is filled in. And, that any documents required by the Rules are enclosed. If you have a deadline coming up, such as a show entry, please use the “special instructions” to indicate this. Following the new procedures and double-checking that your work is actually ready to process before submitting it will contribute to better service and quicker processing for everyone. In the case of percentage/purebred bulls that are to be used as sires, or purebred/percentage cows who are flushed for embryos, their DNA profile simply needs to be put on file. This is so their progeny could later be verified back to them if necessary. They themselves are not required to be parent verified. Submit the sample, obtain the report and send a copy to the office with a note telling us why it was sent. Later, when you have calves to register, they should sail right through. 16 The Lowline Ledger • Winter 2009
Winter 2009 • The Lowline Ledger 17
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