As we continue to see an increase in DNA submissions, we have also seen an increase in the mis-identification of samples. I get it, it happens. We are only human and processing cattle can get a bit fast paced at times. However, we want to emphasize it is CRITICAL to assign a dedicated individual to collecting the DNA samples and noting down the ID to help prevent mistakes as much as possible. Here are a few ways you might set yourself up for success chute side and in the office.
✅ Try to minimize the “jobs” that the DNA collector has and allow them to focus on getting the sample, marking down the ID on the TSU box and then checking the tag again, marking it down in the notebook with the running list of animals.
✅ You may have picked up on the suggestion of having a notepad/laptop and/or way to track a list of the animals in the order they came through the chute. This comes in handy if we ever have a question if an animal was written down wrong on the TSU box. The likelihood that you won’t catch the mistake right then by checking the tag twice and writing it down twice, minimizes.
✅ If there’s a question on an animal or a “no tag”, etc. make sure to note that down or anything else that might prove helpful at a later point if the DNA does not check out.
✅ If you’re a Data Genie client, you can take photos of the TSU boxes, text/email those and we will put together the DNA paperwork and testing requests with the corresponding Associations.
⚠️ If you place the information on a spreadsheet, make sure the correct barcode is attached to the correct animal record, especially if you sort the spreadsheet during the process. An easy way to double check is to sort by TSU barcode once you have everything entered and then cross reference to your boxes. Keep the TSUs in the boxes (see example below) until you’re ready to ship them.
✅ Once you have DNA paperwork/manifests, go through line by line, remove the TSU from the box and place into a Ziploc bag. This is another opportunity to ensure the correct ID is matched up to that TSU barcode. Print and enclose the necessary DNA paperwork inside the Ziploc with the samples. Ship in a padded envelope/box with bubble wrap to address supplied in the instructions.
💯 You have done your due diligence to ensure the samples are matched up to the correct animals which is very important, especially if you’re running genomics so the genotype is matched up to the right individual for the evaluation.
⚠️ A reminder, when you receive DNA results back on an animal, those results are based upon the sample submitted and linked to that record. If the sample is not labeled accurately, then all of the corresponding information is incorrect with regards to that animal it’s attached to. It is imperative to determine whether the correct animal was sampled when you’re exploring DNA mishaps and should always be a consideration in the DNA process, especially if results aren’t as you expected.
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