At the June Board of Directors meeting, a new DNA sample storage policy was established, following a comprehensive evaluation of long-term solutions that included lab-based, independent and in-house. Staff determined maintaining all tissue sampling unit (TSU) samples in lab-provided freezer storage would exceed several million dollars annually, and alternative options were not sustainable long-term.

The policy, which will be implemented over the next several months, ensures the continued stewardship of all DNA data and the archival of high-impact samples while maintaining a fiscally responsible model. All TSU samples will be maintained by the genomic lab for 13 months from the date received by the Association. Samples older than 13 months will be disposed of on a regular basis. Blood and hair samples will be kept for 20 years.  
The difference in sample storage length between TSU, blood and hair is due to the difference in storage requirements. Blood and hair samples do not require freezer storage and can continue to be maintained at the Association’s headquarters.  

Long-term archival exemptions  

High-influence animal classification: Samples from sires with more than 200 recorded progeny per year will be stored indefinitely. Samples will be maintained by the Association to ensure that, in the event a new genetic condition is identified, samples can be used to identify or exclude bloodlines as potential carriers. Sires will be identified through the end-of-year Sire Record Report, after the close of the fiscal year Sept. 30. If no sample is on file, the Association will request a blood, hair or semen sample from the current owner.  

Genetic condition sample retention: An archive of blood, hair and semen samples identified as carriers or affected by genetic conditions will be retained to be used in future work to advance technology including the validation of genetic conditions on new testing platforms. Additionally, all GeneMax^® samples, regardless of sample type, will be retained for 13 months after the date received by Angus Genetics Inc. (AGI). 

DNA data storage  

All data collected from a DNA sample, regardless of age, will continue to be maintained by the Association. The Association remains the sole owner of the sample and the data derived from the sample and recognizes the responsibility that has been entrusted to the Association to maintain a record of the Angus breed’s genetic history. 

Current samples on file 

Members can view the status of stored samples in their AAA Login account under DNA > Samples > DNA Sample Inventory > Search. If a sample is listed as “available,” it remains available for additional testing, though it may still become exhausted and unable to produce a result. Samples shown as “limited” have reduced usability for result retrieval. However, certain conditions (DD, D2, M1, NH, OS) may still be ordered and delivered if previously tested with Angus GSSM or HD 50K^®. When samples are listed as “unavailable,” they have been depleted, and a new sample will be required for any additional testing. 

Breeder best practices 

Members who wish to retain long-term access to genetic material of high-influence animals in their herd are encouraged to maintain their own samples as part of their herd management practices.  

Blood and hair samples should be stored in a cool, dry, low-light environment. TSU and semen samples should be kept in the freezer for long-term storage. Semen samples do not need to be stored in liquid nitrogen. TSU samples as old as seven years have been successfully tested.    

Editor’s note: For more information or questions regarding these services or others, contact the Member Services Department at 816-383-5100.