DNA Testing for Cattle Passports

Parentage analysis is performed between dam and calf, where we look to observe a match between them at each DNA marker.

If a match is observed at all markers, a positive report will be issued. If a non-match is observed at multiple markers, or at one marker but the difference in observed markers between dam and calf is deemed too large, a negative report will be issued.

Analysis is completed using a panel of STR (short tandem repeat) markers that are internationally recognised and recommended by the International Society for Animal Genetics (ISAG).

Cellmark predominantly carries out maternity testing (dam and calf), however it would be possible to perform paternity testing (sire and calf) or trio testing (dam, sire, calf). We are not able to confirm the gender of the animals we test. 

It is not possible to perform a sibling test between animals but we are able to offer twin testing. 

We offer a cross-matching service where we can test a number of dams against each calf in order to find the most conclusive match.

Multiple dams are able to be tested against one or more calves. Parentage analysis is performed and the most likely mother of each calf is able to be determined.

Yes, we are a BCMS approved supplier of DNA testing for cattle passports using blood samples. Our service is accredited by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) to the laboratory testing standard ISO 17025 (Cellmark is listed as laboratory 2045 on the UKAS website). 

To order a kit call our friendly customer services team FREE on 0800 043 2697 who will guide you through the process. We are available to help from 8.00am to 6.00pm Monday to Friday. 

A kit contains:

• The correct number of vacutainer tubes and needles for the number of animals being tested
• Barcodes to be applied to the vacutainer tubes and Animal Information Form
• Test Request Form
•  Animal Information Form
• Needle holder
• Protective return packaging including a tamper evident bag and a leak proof strip
• Pre-paid return envelope
• A set of instructions for sample collection and returning the samples and paperwork to Cellmark

If you want to test a dam against multiple calves you only need to take one sample from the dam. Please write the animal ID number on the paperwork next to all calves you would like it to be paired against, so we know which animal(s) to use in our analysis. For example, if you have one dam and 3 calves, you only need to submit 4 samples in total.

This will depend on where the other test was completed. If the external result is compatible with our systems, we may be able to use it. This process will incur a fee, please contact us on 0800 043 2697 to discuss your requirements.

If you would like to request a refund the charges will be as follows:

Before we send a sampling kit - £5

After we have sent a kit but you have not returned it - £10

After we have received your samples but before testing begins - £25

After testing has started – No refund given.

This will depend on the number of animals that require testing, please contact us on 0800 043 2697 to discuss your specific requirements.

Yes – if we need to confirm something before we begin testing we will contact you to discuss this. We will not begin testing until any queries have been resolved.

Once samples have been collected, place them into the hard plastic container along with the white leak proof strip. Seal the samples in the clear tamper evident bag, place within the designated return envelope along with the Test Request Form and Animal Information Form before returning the package via a post-box.

Cellmark currently only accepts blood samples taken in 3ml EDTA vacutainer tubes (lavender/purple lid). We can accept blood samples taken in different sized lavender/purple EDTA tubes, but we will transfer these to 3m tubes after receipt. There will be a charge for this transfer.

If you are due to collect samples and do not have time to wait for a kit, please contact us to make payment for the testing. We will email you a copy of the paperwork to be completed and returned to Cellmark. Please use 3ml purple/lavender lidded EDTA vacutainer tubes if possible – if you do not have a 3ml vacutainer, we will accept a different size, but will charge a transfer fee after receipt. Please note that we are unable to accept blood samples taken in any other vacutainer type.

Provided they have been collected in in-date EDTA vacutainer tubes (lavender/purple lidded) this should be ok. We will contact you for payment before we process the samples. We will require a copy of the original BCMS paperwork complete with the signature of the vet who has collected the samples.

A portion of all samples are stored for a minimum of 6 months from the date on your report.

If you have not already registered a case with us, we will require a copy of the signature of the vet who took the samples, and so we will require a copy of your BCMS paperwork containing this information. If you have registered a case with us, please only return the samples with the paperwork we sent with the kit. We do not need the original BCMS application paperwork.

If we have received original BCMS paperwork in error, this will be returned to you when we send out the associated report(s).

Please label each vacutainer with the unique Animal ID number and submit your samples as standard.

Each kit has an expiry label on the box. Samples must be returned to us before this expiry date has passed.

Results will be sent out within a maximum of 6 weeks from sample receipt, or from the date of any associated query being cleared.

Reports are posted by mail to the address of the herd owner as completed on the Test Request Form, which must be sent back to Cellmark with your samples. If the report is required to be sent elsewhere, Cellmark must be informed of this upon sample receipt.

No, the report must be sent to the BCMS by the herd owner, along with the BCMS application paperwork.

Yes, please contact our customer services team on 0800 043 2697 to request an additional copy.

It is possible to request your report is sent via email however they will be sent in the post as standard. To make the request please contact our customer services team on 0800 043 2697. Alternatively, this request can be written on the submissions paperwork that you return to us with your samples.

Samples are re-tested as standard in the event of a non-match being observed. If a non-match is observed, this means there is no maternal/paternal relationship between the dam/sire and calves tested.

If more than 6 weeks have passed since you sent in your samples, please contact our customer services team on 0800 043 2697 who will be able to provide an update on your case. Please have your batch ID number (beginning CTPS) to hand if possible.

Results data will be stored for a minimum of 12 months from the date on the report.

This will depend on when the original dam(s) were tested, but provided the request is received within 12 months of the original dam(s) being tested then this would be possible. Please contact us on 0800 043 2697 to discuss.