GeneCheck is pricey, so you might want to just have them test Codon 171 ($11.00). Make sure they can report the K allele at Codon 171 if they find it (it's relatively new and VERY important). The K allele imparts the same folding pattern as the R allele and may result in the same scrapie resistance. A researcher at Oklahoma State University is also looking at Codon 136.
Also, you don't HAVE to have a vet draw the blood, but good luck trying to do it yourself. Once you get the knack, it's easy, but so far, I haven't had any luck. I'm researching a couple of other blood-collecting methods. Premier sells an ear tag that collects blood in an ampule as the tag is applied. (But our poor sheep just don't need another tag in their ear.) And I'm looking into a blood-collecting card that comes in a roll with a peel off back. You peel of fthe back, get your drop of blood on it, and stick it onto a barcoded strip that you label with the sheep's ID number. I'll let everyone know when I learn more. Also, ASI has a program to help shepherds offset the cost of genotyping. I haven't used it myself, but the ASI Web site says they will reimburse the producer up to $14 for genotyping. Since GeneCheck only charges $11, it could very well be that the test might be free, so it might be worth checking into. Have a look at http://www.sheepusa.org/?page=site/text&nav_id=19190b8e5ac3e3bdbe3ff5f8cbb23ecd Carol At 12:05 PM 3/20/2006 -0600, you wrote: >OK. Next question. What all should you test for. They show for sheep >they can scrapie condon, archived dna and spider. Carol Elkins Critterhaven--Registered Barbados Blackbelly Hair Sheep (no shear, no dock, no fuss) Pueblo, Colorado http://www.critterhaven.biz T-shirts, mugs, caps, and more at the Barbados Blackbelly Online Store http://www.cafepress.com/blackbellysheep _______________________________________________ This message is from the blackbelly mailing list Visit the list's homepage at %http://www.blackbellysheep.info
