Legacy tests with the Veterinary Genetics Laboratory, Davis Campus, University of California.

UC Davis developed the DNA technology for cattle and began testing in the 1950's. Over the decades they have tested all breeds of cattle and maintained samples and databases for owners, groups, and associations.

UCD-VGL enjoys a world-wide reputation for excellence. They are professional, friendly, and accessible. UCD-VGL reports DNA markers typed with microsatellite technology. They routinely test and report on 16 markers, more than any other cattle testing laboratory. The ISAG names and requires that 11 markers be reported by all laboratories. The additional 5 markers used by UCD-VGL are markers from the cattle genome determined to be the most unique which offers more options to qualify animals for parentage.

A legacy participant should use the Services Application. Complete the application by providing required information for the test and/or registration. Upon completion the services application is automatically sent to the Legacy registrar where the information is entered into the UC-Davis database. Completed test forms are generated and emailed to you in PDF format. If you have not received a reply to your request within 24 hours of submitting your Services Application please email inquiry to . Once you receive the test forms download the file and print the forms, attach the tail hair sample, mail to the UCD- Veterinary Genetics Laboratory address on the form.

When the test(s) are completed the results are emailed and reported in PDF format. Download the test results and if desired save an electronic copy and/or print a hard copy for your records. If the completed test is a DNA genotype the tested Dexter is automatically recorded in the Legacy genotype database registry. The registration number is entered in the Legacy Dexter Cattle Registry and published in the online pedigree and an electronic copy of the registration certificate is emailed in PDF format to the owner of the tested Dexter. Hard copies are mailed at the end of each month to participants. Payment for tests may be made by check or by Paypal. Paypal payments are made to:

DNA GENOTYPE $25.00

All DNA genotyped Dexters are included in the Legacy genotype registry at no additional charge

A2 Beta Casein Milk Test $25.00

A2 milk is natural milk. It is the milk that all humans and animals produced. At some point in time a mutation occurred in cattle . . now identified as A1 beta casein. Research on A1 milk has determined it is responsible for coronary heart disease (more so in men than women), diabetes, autism, and mental disorders. An excellent book on the A2 research and debate is: Devil in the milk by Keith Woodford, available at most book retailers as well as Abebooks.com (One of the largest used book outlets in the world).

Chondrodysplasia $20.00

This test determines whether your Dexter is a carrier of the genetics of dwarfism. The results are reported as carrier or non-carrier.

Color testing $20.00

You may test your Dexter for the status of black, red, or dun. Some black cattle are homozyous for the color black and carry no recessive color or dun. Some carry red or dun as recessives.

The genetic tests for chondrodysplasia, and the colors red or dun may be batched from one sample at the following price: First test $20.00. . . . each additional test $10.00. ( All three tests - $40.00 total).

For Legacy testing or registration services use the Services Application.

ALL TESTS ARE PERFORMED ON TAIL HAIRS FROM YOUR COW'S TAIL SWITCH. IT IS IMPORTANT TO PULL THE TAILHAIRS IN SUCH A MANNER THAT YOU GET THE ROOTS/FOLLICLES ATTACHED. THE DNA IS EXTRACTED FROM THE FOLLICLES. THE BEST METHOD TO ASSURE YOU HAVE GOOD ROOTS ON THE SAMPLE IS TO GATHER THE TAIL SWITCH IN ONE HAND AND A SMALL CLUMP OF HAIR IN THE OTHER AND JERK UPWARDS TO PULL OUT THE HAIRS. YOUR HANDS SHOULD BE CLEAN OR GLOVED AND THE TAIL SWITCH SHOULD BE AS CLEAN AS POSSIBLE. ONCE THE HAIRS HAVE BEEN PULLED PLACE THEM IN AN ENVELOPE IMMEDIATELY SO THEY DO NOT COME IN CONTACT WITH DIRT OR MANURE OR OTHER CONTAMINANT. BE ESPECIALLY CAUTIOUS THAT THE ROOTS DO NOT TOUCH ANYTHING THAT COULD CONTAMINATE THE SAMPLE.

For questions or further information email: