CRV Breeding Programme 2025 Genotype Request Further Information
This document covers the following information for CRV’s 2025 Female Genotype Request 1) Commonly asked Questions & Answers 2) How to take a DNA sample for the Request 3) Sending the samples 4) CRV Sales Consultants and Regional Breeding Manager contact details
1) Commonly Asked Questions What is this request for? Each year CRV selects females of interest to genotype for consideration into our breeding programme. Once genotyped, females are considered based on genomic breeding values and, if selected, could be offered a contract mating agreement for CRV's breeding programme.
How did you access my data – I don’t record with CRV/ use CRV Genetics? Females of interest have been identified through the elite cow data purchase from NZAEL (New Zealand Animal Evaluation) which your herd recording provider sends data through to and helps bull daughter proofs. CRV have permission to use for breeding programme use only. If the female has met a minimum criteria for the report she will appear on the list for the CRV breeding team to select from.
We are interested in working with the best females in New Zealand, regardless of what genetics company you use. Is there a cost to me? No, CRV covers all the cost of genotyping the requested females. You will receive a free copy of the genomic results via email. I have already DNA tested these females through Genemark/ other DNA provider. Unfortunately we can’t get access to the DNA (SNP) information so we are unable to calculate genomic breeding values. This is why we are requesting you to resample these females through our DNA testing lab, GenomNZ. Can’t I just send you the other provider genomics/results? As we use a different reference population to calculate genomic breeding values alongside other traits such as polled, NZMI, CRV health & efficiency – we would prefer you re-sample these females. DNA results from another provider are different to what is recorded on submission form Please cross out incorrect parentage information on the submission form and put the correct parentage down. Let us know by sending an email to genotyping@crv4all.co.nz so we can amend our electronic records. Will you provide equipment for sampling? Please follow this link to a form you can fill out for wet tissue sampling equipment to be sent to you. Your local CRV rep can also request this on your behalf by using the same form. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe5GqyIaaWjBXRPjRItneYhY5s_RiiqmHrgOHhnA_ARgSw 0sg/viewform?usp=header Do I need to DNA Sample the Dam? No, only sample the requested 2025 born heifers Benefits of Genotyping through CRV Genomic Report including genomic indexes and breeding values via email. A2 and polled results plus other CRV breeding indexes such as Health & Efficiency and NZMI. Informed breeding and management decisions Genomic results equate to approximately 5 herd tests in first lactation before they enter your herd. Opportunity for your female(s) to be selected for more than one CRV breeding programme Competitive purchase options for bull calves resulting from our breeding programme.
Are there any obligations on female(s) sampled? No, just because you have sampled and CRV have genotyped the female(s) requested does not mean you are obligated to sign a contract mating agreement if the female is selected.
My Calves are at grazing/ I won’t be able to meet the sample deadline Please sample next time they are in the yards – we will consider and process all DNA received as it comes in. Even if it misses our main selection deadline of 13th February. Can someone from CRV come and sample these requested females? Please contact us – Depending on your location we may be able to send out a CRV field consultant to assist in the sampling process You can find your local CRV Rep here https://crv4all.co.nz/nz/service/north-island-field-consultants https://crv4all.co.nz/nz/service/south-island-field-consultants
Female identified is not our best calf This is possible, if we don’t have herd recording access – we can only rely on what females appear from your herd in the elite cow data purchase based on parent average information. We are happy to genotype extra females that you rate from top cow families. You can either nominate these yourself or provide us with Minda read only access (invite with access code can be sent genotyping@crv4all.co.nz ). There is no additional cost to genotype nominated females. I have other calves that are better – how can I get these genotyped? Please add them manually to the provided lab submission form – and let us know (genotyping@crv4all.co.nz) so we can load them electronically to the lab and make sure they don’t get missed. If samples turn up at the lab that are not expected they will cause processing time delays and samples may not be processed. The information you need to send to us on extra calves is the same information on the provided lab submission form (birth ID, breed, sire AB code, Dam Birth ID).
2) How to Sample - DNA Sampling Options (1 or 2) 1. Allflex Tissue Sampling Unit (TSU) (preferred) • •
Sample the female(s) requested using the blue Allflex TSU Applicator. Record the TSU barcode number onto the provided lab submission form next to the correct animal.
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Store in the fridge until you are ready to send (not the freezer!). At time of sending place samples into one plastic snap lock bag (samples don’t need to be kept separate) with the completed and signed submission form. Submission form can be filled in electronically and emailed back to us if this is easier than filling out by hand. Be sure
to include a copy of your original emailed form with your samples and corresponding barcodes to each animals birth ID.
We are happy to provide TSU tubes for sampling, if you have access to an Allflex TSU Applicator. You can request equipment for sampling here https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe5GqyIaaWjBXRPjRItneYhY5s_RiiqmHrgOHhnA_ARgSw 0sg/viewform?usp=header
Please note: Dry tissue or blood samples are not accepted at the lab. 2. Hair Sampling (if you can’t sample using option 1 ie no TSU applicator) • •
Ensure hands are clean Pull 50-60 hairs from the calf's tail switch (thick hairs from the end of the tail) o
o Take the hairs in groups of 10-20 at a time.
o Hairs must have root bulb attached – this is the DNA material. •
Put hairs into clean dry paper envelope and seal closed o
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Write birth ID clearly on the envelope o
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o Do not use plastic bags o One animal sample per envelope
All samples and submission form to be sent to the lab together
Please note: Do not sample in wet weather AND do not cut the hairs. If you require more detailed instructions, please reply to this email and we will send extra information. Can I use dry tissue sample units? NO, only wet vials (containing the liquid preservative) can be used as dry tissue samples deteriorate rapidly and DNA cannot be extracted at the lab (high sample failure rates). If the vial doesn’t have liquid it’s a no.
Above Wet Tissue sampling unit
If you have the applicator, we can send you some wet TSU’s for sampling.
I don’t have the Allflex Tissue Applicator
Above – Allflex tissue applicator If you do not have the above applicator, you can either 1) Find a neighbour/friend that DNA tests to borrow or contact your local CRV Sales Consultant who will be able to assist you with sampling. You can also choose to take a hair sample from the tail hairs if you only have a couple of heifers requested.
3) Sending the samples Due to lab closures over the Christmas/New Year break please send samples between 7th January– 13th February 2026. To ensure the samples get to the lab safely and quickly – we recommend using a courier service which NZ post offer at all their post shop locations and not sending via normal mail as we have had samples go missing and address provided is the courier address (normal mail isn’t delivered directly to the lab). Courier to: AgResearch GenomNZ Invermay Agricultural Centre 176 Puddle Alley Mosgiel 9092 Dunedin
4) CRV Contact Information North Island https://crv4all.co.nz/nz/service/north-island-field-consultants South Island https://crv4all.co.nz/nz/service/south-island-field-consultants
If you have any questions – you can get in touch with your Regional Breeding Manager for your area below
Genotyping queries can be sent to genotyping@crv4all.co.nz