The Gene-Marker Laboratory has been established to undertake research in animal molecular genetics within the Department of Agricultural Sciences at Lincoln University. The main focus of research is on genetic variation in ruminants, particularly in sheep, and its association with economically important traits, with the aim of developing gene tests for identifying superior animals. The laboratory has international research status and has numerous publications in refereed journals.
The Laboratory is also well equipped to undertake commercial gene-marker testing. Currently six gene-markers are available commercially.
For gene-marker testing, blood samples are required to be collected, following the Instructions for Sheep Blood Collection, onto the Blood Collection Cards which are available on request.
For overseas blood samples, a current New Zealand Minister of Agriculture and Forests Import Permit must travel with any blood samples that come into New Zealand.
The current turn-around time is ten working days, but urgent testing for a small number of samples can be arranged through the Laboratory.
Want more information?
Contact:
Jon Hickford, Gene-Marker Test Director
Huitong Zhou, Laboratory Manager
John Bates, Sheep Breeding Industry Consultant
Freephone 0508 FOOTROT (0508 366 8768 - within New Zealand)