Latest ADCA Bulletin PDF

[Cloverbell]

Just downloaded the fall 2008 ADCA Bulletin online which is so handy. Here it is if anyone is interested too. It's a big file, in case you're on dial up.

www.dextercattle.org/Fall%20Bulletin.pdf

I see that bulls will be required to have DNA/genotype testing starting Jan 2009. Is this a blood test or a hair test? I could not find that anywhere.

[otf]

Cloverbell, I am pretty sure it's hair, but I suppose it could be blood or semen.

[tiffin]

If you go the ADCA web site they have instructions which is hair collection.

[Clive]

Bull parent verification has caused problems in the UK. It was introduced in 2005 and because of the cost has been blamed for bulls now being outside the pedigree system and to be honest even I am considering going down that route as well. In the UK it costs up to about £100 ($150?) to register and test the bull's parentage. If you go over 18 months like I do because I want to see what they are like first (I have a reason for doing that) then the cost is more like £200 ($300?). I don't understand all the details of what happened here or what you are doing, but it might be worth looking at the UK experience if it's not too late. If anyone would like a copy of the discussion which took place I have a copy in pdf format and it has views in it from people who've been breeding all their lives. Just send me an email.

[tiffin]

I'm not thrilled with it and have e-mailed my director regarding the cost. I told her that people will not be registering as deligently and certainly as Gene pointed out will not be dual registering as I do. Actually, that dual stuff should not be an issue at all if there weren't the two registries. But I guess we better not go down that road.

[liz]

We've had DNA/genotype testing in Canada for quite a while, and I agree with it. It is a simple test of tail hairs, no vet needed! I know that there is a 'cost' to it but that is passed on to the buyer. I think that it has made people think about the bull as a more 'valuable' part of their herd, not every bull calf or even most bull calves should be breeders and so only the ones with a lot of promise or the ones that are sold are registered. The other advantage in my opinion is that it prevents any speculation or 'he said/she said' rumours. I mean if there is any question about the parentage of a calf, it can be easily verified. As far as different associations using different labs, surely that wouldn't be a sticking point in dual registration. I would think results from an accredited lab, whether in Texas or Saskatchewan, would be equally acceptable.

[tiffin]

I understand the concept but the money is still an issue. "Passed on to the buyer" is easier said than done. Bulls are difficult to sell. I would have to try to recoup some of the cost through selling heifers and cows. The proposal notice in the ADCA bulletin for this genotyping stated that all genotyping be done by "the ADCA designated laboratory. Genotyping done by other laboratories will not be accepted by the ADCA." Now if PDCA says the same thing at another lab then we will be forced to pay big bucks or pick one association to register animals in. As I have stated before there shouldn't be two associations.

[tiffin]

I just took a look at PDCA website and I couldn't find anything about a genotyping requirement but did notice they have a "parentage verification" that looks like it is a blood test. That I'm not doing so, I will be with ADCA only, if PDCA requires this test. Our only hope is that the two groups accept the labs we as Dexter owners choose to go to.

[tiffin]

Clive, I read the discussion on PV. I noticed there was an upcoming council report in October. What became of that report? Any progress such as lowering the cost?
Adrienne

[Clive]

I don't know of any report Adrienne. The discussion and thoughts on the matter really are along the same lines as the discussion you are having above - cost versus benefits - trouble is that both views are valid.