Reprinted from the Hoosier Hummer

New DNA Procedures

                                                                                                           By Lynne Bogardis

Recently, the ILR and ARI completed the transition from blood typing to DNA analysis for llama and alpaca genetic record keeping. Coincident with the change to DNA analysis are some administrative changes as well. The procedures are outlined on the following page. Blood samples are still sent to U. C. Davis along with a copy of the ILR or ARI registration (or pending application with preassigned registration number). The blood tube should be labeled with the name and registration number of the animal. No money is sent with the blood sample. The ILR or ARI will receive the DNA report from U. C. Davis and will forward a copy along with a bill to the owner. The owner then pays ILR or ARl.

U. C. Davis attempted to keep on hand frozen blood samples from all previous blood typing performed. They are in the process of performing DNA analysis for those animals using the retained samples. According to an ILR spokesperson, if the frozen sample has been lost, or for some other reason is unusable, U. C. Davis will inform the ILR or ARI; who will in turn inform the owner that a new sample will be needed if circumstances still warrant.

The hope for the future is that soon we will need much smaller blood samples, and eventually no blood samples at all. The buzz is that hair rootball samples will be all that is needed to do the DNA analysis. Hopefully, this part of the brave new world will arrive soon.

Summary of New DNA Analysis Procedure 1. Have blood sample drawn and sent to U. C. Davis. If you want the ILR contract price, be sure to include either a copy of the llamas registration certificate or a copy of the registration application for the animal. Be sure your owner code and the ILR number of the animal is included. If the animal is not yet registered, call the ILR (406-755-3438) for a reserved number. 2. Wait for the report and bill to be sent to you by the ILR office. 3. Pay the bill when you receive it. 4. Call the ILR office (406-755-3438) with any questions concerning DNA testing.

VETERINARY GENETICS LABORATORY
School of Veterinary Medicine University of California · Davis, CA 95616-9744
(530) 752-7383 Fax: (530) 752-3556

COLLECTING AND MAILING LLAMA AND ALPACA BLOOD SAMPLES for DNA ANALYSIS

NEW PROCEDURES: I) Do NOT send payment with your samples, the ILR/ARI will bill you for U.C. Davis' services. 2) U.C. Davis WILL NOT send you the DNA results, they will go directly to the appropriate Registry and the Registry will send them to you with the bill for testing services. 3) Your application should be sent to the Registry ASAP after you receive the results and bill for DNA services.

INSTRUCTIONS:
SEND BLOOD SAMPLES TO U.C. DAVIS NOT THE ILR OR ARI

Use utmost care in collecting and handling blood samples to be shipped. If the red cells are damaged by bacterial contamination, or by extreme heat or freezing, they are worthless for DNA analysis. BLOOD CAN BE DRAWN FROM CRIA AT ANY AGE FOR DNA TESTING — as long as you can get the 5-8cc.

1. Blood samples are drawn into evacuated tubes which hold 5-8 cc of blood. One sample in a PURPLE STOPPER blood tube (anticoagulant EDTA) is required from each animal. Veterinarians and animal clinics can supply the blood tubes and needles.

2. Before collecting a blood sample, identify the blood tube with the name and registration number of the animal (see #4 below). Use a sterile needle to draw the blood. With a proper holder and needle, the tube can be filled without removing the stopper.

3. Immediately after drawing the blood, invert the tube several (4-5) times to ensure proper mixing with the anticoagulant.

4. To identify the sample, please include a photocopy of the animal's registration certificate. If the animal is not yet registered, please include a copy of a completed "Application for Registration." If using an "Application…." please call the ILR or ARI for a reserved number for the animal and make sure the application includes your owner code. Enclose a note indicating the purpose of the test: for example, parentage verification, paternity analysis (if more than one male involved) or DNA record for registration purposes.

5. Wrap samples in paper towels or newspaper and enclose them in a sturdy, insulated box. Cushion the samples with stuffing to prevent breakage. Place a recyclable ice pack (Perma-Ice, Blue Ice, etc.) in the package under no circumstances freeze the blood. Refrigerate the blood if it is not mailed the same day it is drawn.

6. Address the package to:

Llama & Alpaca Blood Testing Veterinary Genetics Laboratory University of California     Davis, CA 95616-8744

SEND SAMPLES TO U. C. DAVIS NOT THE ILA OR ARI

7. The contract fee for llama and alpaca DNA analysis is $32.00 (without the owner code and the reserved animal registration number the non-contract price of $40.00 will be charged). Do NOT send payment with your samples, the ILR /ARI will bill you for U.C. Davis' services.

8. Samples may be shipped by U.S. Mail (First Class, Priority Mail, Express Mail or Special Delivery), UPS, commercial airlines or air couriers (such as Federal Express, Airborne Express, etc.). Delivery by air should be arranged all the way to the laboratory and not just to the Sacramento airport.

9. YOU WILL NO LONGER RECEIVE THE RESULTS from U.C. Davis. They will be sent directly to the appropriate Registry. You will receive them from the ILA or ARI with your bill for the DNA services. Send your application to the appropriate Registry when you receive the bill and DNA results.

DNA analysis is required for llamas by the ILR if a sire is used for outside breeding and/or if a sire has 10 or more registered cria. All alpacas are required to be DNA tested. If you would like a registration certificate showing the new DNA information, send your current certificate with $5.00 and a request to reissue your certificate to:

for Llamas ILA P.O. Box 87 Kalispell, MT 59903 (406) 755-3438 (406) 755-3439 fax

for Alpacas ARI P.O. Box 87 Kalispell, MT 59903 (406) 755-3158 (406) 755-3439 fax

ILR 9-98/Forms/41