DNA Test Your Alpaca Herd

Please note that DNA testing is not compulsory.

Why DNA Test?

• verified parentage gives buyers and sellers piece of mind
• verified parentage increases the value of your herd
• give yourself a potentially large marketing advantage
• it can be done easily by one person
• it is completely friendly to the animal

The DNA Collection Procedure

Members need to obtain a DNA test kit per alpaca from AABA.

To order kits:

• dna@aaba.com.au, or
• Fill in the form, or
• Phone 02 4227 5975

Please also use this DNA Request Form if sampling a non-owned animal.

The kit contains a plastic bag for the samples, two swabs, two barcodes, and a submission sheet. Once the kits have been despatched you will be invoiced and payment is due on receipt.

Collection Method

Before you start:

1. Attach one barcode across both packets containing the swab and one on the plastic bag
2. Record the barcode number on the spreadsheet along with the animal name/number
   In order to stop you getting mixed up it is a good idea to write the name of the animal on the outside of the plastic bag and pop the two unopened swabs inside so you have a pack ready for each animal
3. Each of the two cotton bud swabs is to be used once only per animal and placed back into the original packaging. Both samples are then placed in the plastic bag and sealed
4. Take the sample by removing a cotton bud from the packet and holding the animal to be tested by the neck. Push the cotton bud up under the lip at the front and twirl it around with a little outward pressure
5. Repeat with the second swab

What you are trying to achieve is a sample of the skin cells on the inside of the lip, not saliva, spit or other possible contaminates. It can help if you are able to add to the pressure by holding the outside of the lip, or “pinching”.

We have done extensive trials and it is hard to contaminate the samples to the point they are of no use, but being careful will help to provide the best possible sample.

After collection, mail the spreadsheet together with your samples and your fees if they are not already paid. It will help immensely if you are able to complete an electronic version. If so, please email the form, but print out a copy and post with the samples as well.

Please post samples to:
AABA
PO Box U383
Wollongong University NSW 2500

“A Future For All Members”

ooOoo
Copyright © 2006–2010 The Australasian Alpaca Breeders Association Inc.
Incorporation No. INC9884325
ABN 80 023 141 619
ARBN 123 118 267
25 Church Lane, Hobby’s Yards NSW 2795, Australia
Phone +61 (0)2 6367 4447
Fax +61 (0)2 8572 9408