The American Angus Association^® Board of Directors established a DNA Sample Storage Policy during the June board meeting to address changes in lab storage practices, continued growth in DNA testing and the increased use of TSU samples, which require freezer storage. 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 for the future of the Association and its members. 

“The continued adoption of DNA testing has been a valuable resource for Angus breeders making selection decisions,” said Paul Bennett, chair of the Breed Improvement Committee. “That growth has posed a storage capacity challenge that isn’t unique to Angus. From labs to other breed associations, organizations across the cattle industry are having to weigh the cost-benefit of sample storage.” 

The DNA Sample Storage Policy approved by the Association’s board was crafted following a comprehensive evaluation of long-term options by staff which included lab-based, independent and in-house solutions. In the months long exploration of options, staff determined maintaining all TSU samples in lab-provided freezer storage would exceed several million dollars annually, and alternative options did not offer a sustainable, long-term approach. 

“In 2025, AGI^® processed more than 300,000 DNA test requests on behalf of the Association – 200,000 of those used TSU samples,” said Casey Jentz, COO of the Association. “We have seen year-over-year growth in DNA testing and expect that trend to continue. We know, we need a policy that reflects the future needs of the breed, not just today’s.” 

After carefully weighing archival value, storage capacity, and the responsible use of member resources against possible solutions, board members approved the following protocol for sample storage management. 

• 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, due to the smaller and less costly footprint required to maintain them.  

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, 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 which is run following the close of the fiscal year on Sept. 30. If no sample is on file, the Association will request a blood, hair or semen sample from the current owner to be added to the archive.  

• 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 AGI^®. 

DNA Data Storage  

All data collected from a DNA sample, regardless of age, will continue to be maintained by the Association as part of the largest, single-beef-breed database. The DNA Sample Storage Policy does not impact the American Angus Association’s current DNA ownership policy. 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,” the sample remains available for additional testing, though it may still become exhausted and unable to produce a result. Samples listed 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 GS or HD 50K. When samples are listed as “unavailable,” the sample has 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.  

Members with questions about the policy, sample status, retesting or best practices can reach out to the AGI Customer Service team at 816.383.5100 or agi@angus.org.