Massey University’s Equine Parentage and Animal Genetic Services Centre (EPAGSC) offers the most comprehensive range of DNA-based genetic testing for animals in New Zealand and we are the only organisation to offer equine blood-typing in Australasia. Our genotyping services comply with the International Society of Animal Genetics (ISAG).
Online Ordering
All sample details and test requests MUST be placed using our online ordering site. This allows us to keep better track of both your samples and the testing that you require for each sample. Submit your order online here: https://epagsc.myshopify.com/
Price Review
As of the 1st July 2020, some of our genetic test pricing has increased slightly, due to rising costs. This only affects orders placed on or after the 1st July (check your order confirmation email). Our online ordering site has all available tests and current prices.
Requesting a test
ALPACA, LLAMA & CAMEL
Our main test for camelid species is genotyping – primarily for parentage verification/analysis.
Sample requirements for alpaca/llama/camel testing is a blood card.
Tests cost NZ$50 per sample.
BIRDS
Genetic tests include sexing and PBFD screening. For veterinary services, we provide chlamydia and malaria detection.
We can now perform DNA-based sexing on Ostriches and Emu
Avian sample instructions.pdf (356 KB)
CATTLE
We offer cattle (bovine) testing including genotyping for parentage verification and some genetic disease screening tests.
All cattle tests require hair or blood samples. Semen samples are accepted with a $10 surcharge per straw.
HORSES
We offer a wide range of equine testing, from DNA profiling, genotyping and parentage verification to coat colour testing and genetic disease screening.
SHEEP & GOATS
Genotyping/Parentage Analysis is now available for introductory price of NZ$35 per hair or blood card sample.
We also offer testing for spider-lamb syndrome (SLS) in Suffolk sheep. This test costs NZ$30 per animal and requires a blood sample in EDTA.
CANINE/DOGS
We offer Genotyping/Parentage analysis, DM, EIC, HSF4, HUU and PRA-PRCD. We accept samples of either pulled hair, buccal (cheek) swabs, semen or a blood card.
If your required test isn’t listed please contact us.
Research expertise
Breeding stock improvement through genomic selection
We have research expertise in the improvement of breeding stock of various production animals such as sheep, dairy cows and goats to produce animals with better meat, milk and fibre.
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Genetic disease in animals
Our work defines breeding objectives for animals, calculates economic values using farm models, examines the contribution of the major histocompatibility complex to disease resistance, and identifies mutations associated with inherited diseases in animals. We work to understand genetic mechanisms underlying production, reproduction and disease resistance. We also have expertise in control and prevention of livestock disease through recombinant DNA techniques.
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Improving production animal performance
This work focuses on the analysis of genetic data across animal species in areas such as nutrition, breeding and husbandry in order to boost agricultural productivity and profitability.
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Maximising lifetime reproduction
Research examining pregnancy and birthing strategies across production animals, nutrition and genetic alternatives to increase lifetime reproduction per animal. We have expertise at both fundamental and applied levels.
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Pregnancy and birth complications in production animals
Research around measuring fertility cycles and improving fertility to management. Diagnosis and prevention of abortion. We also have post-birth expertise in lactation physiology and mastitis control and management.
CONTACT
Sheep and goat dairying – genetic evaluation
We have expertise in developing prototype models for genetic evaluation using genomic selection of dairy goats (with the NZ Dairy Goat Cooperative) and dairy sheep. This evaluation identifies superior animals to be selected for higher productivity and profitability, creating genetic gain in the national populations in these emergent New Zealand industries.
A selection index for dairy sheep has been developed by Massey researchers.