DNA & Genetic Verification at Bardwell Farms

  Bardwell Farms is stepping up its efforts in the conservation of the American Milking Devon with our initiative to add and maintain a DNA Parentage Verification and A2 Beta Casein Program for our herd.

  The American Milking Devon is a historic American breed of cattle arriving on our shores in 1624, more than 150 years before the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Their population is relatively small, with estimated numbers of about 2000 living animal's registered, all being only in North America. They were the inspiration of the founding of the Livestock Conservancy (originally the American Minor Breeds Conservancy in 1977) and have remained on their Critically Endangered Breed List since it’s inception. Maintaining accurate pedigrees and genetic information is therefore especially important. DNA technology gives breeders a powerful tool for accomplishing that goal.

  Our goal is to establish a comprehensive parental and A2 genetic record of our American Milking Devon herd that can be used for parentage verification, pedigree accuracy, genetic identification, breeding decisions, and long-term preservation of the breed.

Why DNA Test Cattle?

  Breed Registries depend on submission of accurate identification information from cattle

breeders for publishing their Herd Books. Despite the efforts, there are situations where

uncertainty can arise. DNA is essentially a genetic fingerprint for an individual and unlike any other form of “permanent” identification (Ear Tag, Tattoo, Microchip, Brand) it’s the only permanent identification valid whether an animal is alive or dead.

  DNA testing instills confidence in both buyers and sellers that pedigrees are true.

  This gives us the ability to build a permanent genetic record that can be compared with

the DNA markers of other animal's to compare relatedness and genetic variation.

Parentage Verification

  One of the most valuable applications is confirming parentage.

  A calf's genetic markers can be compared against the potential parents to determine

whether the recorded parents are genetically compatible.

  This is particularly valuable when multiple calves are born during the same breeding

season or when multiple bulls have access to a group of cows.

 DNA-based parent verification is already an established method of verifying cattle

parentage. Laboratories compare genetic markers from the offspring with those of

potential parents to determine whether the recorded pedigree is supported by the

animal's DNA.

  For a breed such as the American Milking Devon, accurate parentage is extremely

important because every generation contributes to the genetic history of the breed.

Our DNA Sampling Method

  At Bardwell Farms, we use Tissue Sampling Units (TSUs) rather than traditional hair or blood samples. This system works safer for us and easier for our new-born calves. The TSUs use a very small tissue core sample collected from the calf’s ear. The tissue is immediately deposited into a preservation solution inside the TSU vial, and immediately sealed where it remains protected until it reaches the laboratory. Next, we put a temporary calf ID ear tag, utilizing the same hole left by the TSU. 

  The whole seemingly painless process takes less time than it takes to type this sentence, and is a single person procedure in our pasture-calving operation. Collecting tail-hair or blood samples from a slippery new-born calf with a protective mom isn’t a safe one-person procedure. For adult cattle sampling, the TSU system works well with other routine health maintenance protocols using a squeeze chute for restraint. Ear sampling technique is the same, with the hole sealing shut within a few weeks.

DNA + Identification = A Much Stronger Record

One of the most important aspects of our program is that we don't look at the DNA sample as an isolated laboratory test. We associate the DNA sample with the animal's individual identification.

This means that an animal's:

• Ear tag (RFID and/or Farm Tag)
• Registration number
• TSU number
• Date of birth
• Sire
• Dam
• Pedigree
• Genetic information
• Breeding history

can be tied together in our herd records.

Protecting Pedigree Accuracy

  This is the bottom line - pedigree accuracy and transparency are extremely important in

the conservation of rare breeds. Our goal is to do our best being stewards of this

wonderful breed of cattle, and to give future and current owners of American Milking

Devon Cattle the confidence in their breeding of the breed of cattle that helped build our

country. Let us help you build your herd and preserve the American Milking Devon for

generations to come!