Contributing to Base Pair Genomics' Reference Population: What's Required
Herd Structure Requirements
To contribute meaningfully to the Base Pair Genomics reference population, your operation needs:
Lines of at least 100 heifers that can be recorded for two consecutive years
Established herd recording using EID tags and crushside recording device
Controlled mating practices including defined joining periods
This doesn't necessarily mean changing your current practices—many northern operations already do this—but cohort age estimation is needed to build accurate predictions.
Data Collection Commitments
Contributing requires data collection for a minimum of 2 years with 1 cohort of heifers. Ongoing cohort contribution is encouraged and very welcome.
Not all traits are mandatory but like a good party, the more the merrier. The minimum traits are pregnancy testing, weight and body condition score.
DNA Sampling
Tissue sampling units (TSUs) or tail hair samples
One-time sampling per animal
Ultrasound Scanning & Pregnancy Testing
Puberty scan on heifers (performed by approved vet)
Pregnancy testing with foetal ageing at first and second pregnancies
Frequency: puberty scan followed by pregnancy foetal ageing once per year for the first two pregnancies
Production Records
Collected at pregnancy diagnosis:
Liveweight
Hip height
Body condition scores
Tick and fly lesion scores (if tick or fly load is present)
Temperament scores (if possible—must be yard or pound scores)
Teat and udder scores at second pregnancy diagnosis
Lactation status and whether the female weaned a calf at second pregnancy diagnosis
The Real Operational Impact
Many operations only see cattle once per year. This is okay. If that one time per year includes pregnancy diagnosis with foetal age, lactation status, weight and body condition score at a minimum, linked to an EID, then we can work with that.
The Base Pair team is ready to assist with coordination and data collection, and can ensure tail hair cards are made available when required.
Discounted Testing
Base Pair will work with you to mitigate data collection costs. We offer heavily discounted genotyping and RePRO BI results in exchange for data collection.