IGENITY now accepting hair samples for BVD-PI testing

CattleNetwork.com
January 26, 2011

DULUTH, Ga. - IGENITY®, a division of Merial®, announces hair samples are now being accepted for the optional diagnostic test for persistent infections (PI) of the bovine viral diarrhea (BVD) virus. Producers choosing to test for BVD-PI in conjunction with the comprehensive IGENITY profile now have the option to submit tissue or hair samples.

"We want the process of collecting and submitting samples to be as convenient as possible for our customers," explains Dr. Stewart Bauck, executive director of research and development. "IGENITY is committed to providing the most advance solutions to beef producers' genetic selection and management needs. Whether a producer submits a hair sample or a tissue sample, the accuracy for DNA analysis and BVD-PI testing remains the same. This breakthrough gives producers more options and ease when incorporating DNA and virus detection technology into their existing herd management routines."

To ensure a good sample is collected, Bauck recommends taking hair from the switch of the tail and making sure the sample is free of debris. "DNA and virus particles are located in the hair follicle (or root bulb) and associated tissue - not the hair itself. The hair follicle must be present on the sample," he notes. Bauck also advises submitting 20 to 30 hair follicles for animals 90 days or older and 40 to 60 hair follicles for calves younger than 90 days.

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