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DNA is used to determine the pedigree for livestock or pets.
Collection | Storage | Purification | Downstream Applications
Collection
Q.
Can these kits be used for both beef and dairy cattle?
A.
Yes. Performagene•LIVESTOCK has been validated on numerous breeds of cattle and produces superior samples from both beef and dairy breeds. Click here for complete white paper.
Q.
How can I link my DNA sample to the livestock's ear tag?
A.
All Performagene•LIVESTOCK tubes have a unique standard barcode located in two orientations on the sample. This barcode can be scanned and linked to the animal's ear tag prior to collection. Alternately, the sample tube includes a large writing space to easily include the livestock's identification linking the sample to the ear tag.
Q.
How easy is the sample collection?
A.
Extremely easy. A typical collection takes 5 seconds and can be done on restrained or unrestrained livestock. View collection video.
Q.
Can Performagene•LIVESTOCK be used for other livestock species other than cattle?
A.
Yes. Performagene•LIVESTOCK has been validated for use with cattle by DNA Genotek and has also been tested by customers with other livestock species such as swine and sheep. Contact us for more information.
Q.
What is the DNA yield using Performagene•LIVESTOCK?
A.
From a study of 225 unrestrained cattle, the average amount of DNA collected with one nasal swab was 24.2µg. Click here for complete white paper.
Q.
Is there a difference in DNA yield between calves and adult cattle?
A.
Calves tend to result in higher DNA yields due to the increased number of cells in the nasal sample. Click here for complete white paper.
Q.
How long is my DNA stable for?
A.
Cattle DNA is stable when collected in Performagene•LIVESTOCK kits at room temperature for 1 year post collection.
Q.
What is the shelf life of Performagene•LIVESTOCK kits?
A.
2 years prior to use. The expiration date of each kit is printed on the label found on the side of the collection tube.
Q.
How much bacterial DNA is in my Performagene•LIVESTOCK samples?
A.
Using a real-time PCR assay with bacterial 16S rRNA primers, the average amount of bacterial DNA was 3.3%, with a range from 0.4 to 14.2%. Click here for complete white paper. .
Storage
Q.
What temperature should I store my livestock nasal samples in Performagene•LIVESTOCK?
A.
Performagene•LIVESTOCK stabilizes the DNA in livestock nasal samples over a range of temperatures. DNA samples may be stored at room temperature or frozen at temperatures such as -20°C or -80°C, depending on which is most convenient for you. Please note that storage at 4°C is not recommended for Performagene samples.
Q.
How do I transport livestock nasal samples collected in Performagene•LIVESTOCK through the post?
A.
Samples collected in Performagene•LIVESTOCK are considered "Exempt Animal Specimens" and are easily shipped within countries and cross-border. Please consult our Mailing Guidelines for more information.
Purification
Q.
What options do I have for purifying my Performagene•LIVESTOCK/nasal samples?
A.

There are two reagent packages available for either 'Full Purification' or 'Quick to PCR':
Q.
Can nasal samples stored in Performagene•LIVESTOCK be purified using automated extraction robots?
A.
Yes. Performagene•LIVESTOCK is designed to integrate directly into liquid handling robots without the need to prepare the samples in any way. Contact us for more information.
Q.
What is the best way to quantify my DNA yield?
A.
For both Full Purification and Quick to PCR methods, we recommend quantifying your DNA with a fluorescent dye such as SYBR Green or PicoGreen (Molecular Probes). Quantification by absorbance cannot be used with Quick to PCR method as the reagents used will interfere with the absorbance reading. For more details, please consult our quantification protocols: DNA Quantification using the Rotor-Gene Real Time PCR Instrument or DNA Quantification using SYBR Green I Dye and Micro-Plate Reader.
Q.
What genetic applications can Performagene•LIVESTOCK be used for?
A.

As an all-in-one system, Performagene•LIVESTOCK can easily be used for the following applications:

  • Parentage verification
  • Animal identification for traceability
  • DNA banking
  • Value added genetic traits
  • Genetic analysis for breeding programs
  • Identification of microbial DNA
Downstream Applications
Q.
What downstream assays can I use livestock DNA collected in Performagene•LIVESTOCK for?
A.
DNA Genotek and valued customers have validated Performagene on a wide range of downstream assays, including SNP Genotyping, microarray and microsattelites. Please click here for more information.
 
"I found the Oragene•DNA collection kit very simple to use. The protocol was easy to follow and time-saving permitting me to perform the extraction amplification and analysis steps in a single day."

Melissa Boweman, Technologist
Plexagen Diagnostics Ltd.
© 2012 DNA Genotek Inc., a subsidiary of OraSure Technologies, Inc., all rights reserved.