Chair: Carla Kirby
For Questions please contact us at: davistesting@minidairygoats.org
MDGA Davis Testing Policy- Effective Date 3/1/2023
-
- Application and Payment must be received within 24 hours of each other.
- Once the Testing Kit has been emailed to the member the member will have 60 days to submit sample submissions to UC Davis/VGL.
- If a Sample Submission has not been received at UC Davis within 60 days from the receipt of the test kit, the test will be canceled by the Davis Testing Team and fees will be credited to your account, less processing fees.
Cancellations/Fees/Refunds
- If a test kit is canceled before the MDGA Davis team has sent the test kit (Sample submission forms) there is no penalty and a full refund will be given.
- If a test kit is canceled after you have received your kit (sample submission forms) from MDGA Davis Testing there will be a processing fee applied. See the chart below.
| Test | Cost | Credit to Account |
Processing Fee |
| G6S | $27.00 | $22.00 | $5.00 |
| Casein | $27.00 | $22.00 | $5.00 |
| Scrapie | $27.00 | $22.00 | $5.00 |
| Genetic Markers | $38.00 | $33.00 | $5.00 |
| Parent Verification | $38.00 | $30.50 | $7.50 |
Cancellation of a test once the sample submissions have been sent to Davis/VGL is not an option.
Grandfathered accounts:
- Any kits outstanding must be submitted to VGL no later than 2/28/2023.
- Kits not received by that date will be credited to your account in full. No refunds will be available for these outstanding tests.
MDGA Board Approved - Jan 2023
Comment from our Davis Testing Chair:
MDGA members, please remember that we are in the busiest time of year for all things goats!
Due to heavy volume at Davis/VGL genetic testing results are averaging
4-5 weeks ( G6S, Casein, Scrapie) and 6-8 weeks
(Genetic Markers and Parent verification). Our Davis
chair can confirm receipt of your sample at Davis/VGL. However,
Davis has no rush option and we are in line as the samples are
received. Delaying your submissions will only increase wait times. As
the kidding season continues wait times will increase. All testing
applications and results are coordinated through our Davis chair,
Carla Kirby. All inquiries concerning your genetic testing needs can
be directed to davistesting@minidairygoats.org
**First time users of Parent Verification testing will require a phone
chat, please provide a working number and times of availability.
Please Note applications for submission and payment are due at the same time.
From the desk of VGL-
~when samples require additional testing, they essentially go
through the process twice ~high-quality samples
~Lots of clean hairs with root attached is important.
~for Parent Verification- If they have multiple sires, testing
the dam can avoid the need for additional markers to distinguish the
sire.
G6S Update:
Thanks to a database update and in response to our members requests, the G6S- NP (Normal By Parentage) will automatically print on eligible registration certificates.
Please be aware that all new and updated registration certificates will include the following disclaimer:
The herein described animal has been accepted in the Miniature Dairy Goat Association under the Bylaws and policies of the Association. This certificate is issued in reliance on the truth of the statements submitted on the application for registry or transfer, but is in no event deemed a guarantee by the Association of the breeding or ownership of the animal. If an animal has been admitted to entry or transferred through error, misrepresentation, or fraud, such entries or transfers are void, together with any entries and transfers that have been made of progeny of any such animals, and the Association assumes no liability for damages, arising from any such entry or transfers.
MDGA will record Davis Test Results on the TESTED ANIMAL'S registration certificate if requested. Updated certificates can be purchased for $4.00 on the paypal page (please email your breed's registrar to let them know any updates or changes desired).
For Payment, go to our PayPal page.
How the testing works:
Once you submit your MDGA testing request application, the committee will request a kit(s) from Davis on your behalf.
The testing committee will then forward that test kit to you via email once they receive it from Davis.
Then follow the instructions in the kit we forward you.
You can test ANY goat you own, Standards, Nigerians, Minis, MDGA registered or not MDGA registered.
Testing requires 20-30 Hairs With Roots
Hair root from coarse, longer hair often found over:
- withers
- chest
- rump
- tail
- back of hind leg
- poll
- or fetlock
is the preferred sample type for goats.
Storing Hair Samples
To store the sample, you pull the hair, place in a paper envelope (separate envelope for each goat), and keep at room temperature away from any chance of bugs getting to it.
Samples are good this way for up to 10 years.
Never use plastic to store samples, and do not refrigerate or freeze.
Parentage Testing Procedures - DNA - $38
A DNA profile—which provides allele sizes for all microsatellite markers—is obtained, and parentage analysis is performed. A variety of sample types can be utilized for routine testing, including blood, hair, semen, buccal swabs and FTA cards. Non-routine sample types include bone, teeth, saliva, dried blood, urine and feces. DNA is extracted from the samples, and microsatellite marker analysis begins with the PCR procedure. In this process a computer program compares the DNA profile of the offspring to those of the presumed parents. A parentage analyst reviews the results and sends the final report. If a listed parent or parents are excluded, additional analysis is performed including retesting of samples and the possible use of additional DNA markers to confirm the exclusion.
*If there is any question about a kid(s) sire, i.e. more than one buck in a doe pen, All kids will be required to have a DNA test completed as well as at least one of the bucks (if there are only 2 bucks in question) will need to be tested in order to register the kid(s).
Alpha S1 Casein Testing - $27
Alpha s1 Casein is one of the four casein proteins found in goat's milk and is the most important of the four for cheese making. The Alpha s1 Casein gene (CSN1S1) that produces the protein shows polymorphisms which affect the amount of protein and fat produced, with higher levels associated with the best cheese making. Research suggests that low levels of Alpha s1 Casein, may be associated with reduced milk sensitivities for some people.
G6-Sulfatase Deficiency(G6S, MPSIIID) - $27
G6-Sulfatase deficiency is an inherited metabolic defect that occurs in Nubian goats and related crosses. A mutation in the G6-S gene renders the enzyme incapable of degrading complex polysaccharides known as heparin-sulfate glycosaminoglycans (HS-GAGs) which then abnormally accumulate in tissues such as central nervous system and viscera. Clinically, affected goats exhibit delayed motor development, growth retardation, and early death. The disease is inherited in an autosomal recessive fashion. Therefore, both sexes are equally affected and two copies of the defective gene must be present for signs of the disorder to be observed. Breeding two carrier goats, which are normal but each possesses a single copy of the mutation, is predicted to produce 25% affected offspring.
Goat Scrapie Susceptibility - S146 & K222 $27
The VGL offers a DNA test for classical scrapie in goats to screen for presence/absence of the resistance alleles S146 and K222. Information from the test can be used by breeders to select breeding stock to increase frequency of beneficial alleles in their herds. Breeding for resistance is an effective means to control classical scrapie in goats at the herd and population levels. This test is applicable to goats of all types and breeds, including those raised in the U.S.
You can test ANY goat you own, Standards, Nigerians, Minis, MDGA registered or not MDGA registered.
All testing information property of UC Davis Site.
See their site for more in-depth info
