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 New DNA Lab: Questions and Answers

 New DNA Lab: Questions and Answers

June 5, 2025

The American Hereford Association (AHA) transitioned to Weatherbys Scientific as its official DNA service provider June 5, 2025. AHA members received a letter notifying of this before June 5, 2025. You can find this letter …


The American Hereford Association (AHA) transitioned to Weatherbys Scientific as its official DNA service provider June 5, 2025. AHA members received a letter notifying of this before June 5, 2025. You can find this letter at https://hereford.org/letter-to-membership/

These are some frequently asked questions AHA staff have received since the announcement.

What is the density of the SNP-based chip that Weatherbys is using?
Weatherbys Scientific utilities an 85K SNP-based chip that not only includes the necessary markers for the genetic evaluation but also has all the known genetic abnormalities that AHA tests for, as well as horn/poll.

Do I have to order the MD/DB add-on test with a genomic profile?
No. Every genomic profile/basic test includes MD/DB at no additional charge.

Will the $20 MD/DB standalone test still be available?
Yes. The MD/DB standalone test is still offered, but for an additional $10, you can get parentage, a genomic profile and results for the other four abnormalities.

Will I have to ship my DNA samples to Ireland?
No. Although Weatherbys Scientific headquarters are in Ireland, AHA members send samples to ETC – BioMed LLC in Easthampton, MA — the address is on the bottom of the DNA sample submission form. Members will attach their samples and ship them like they have always done.  

Is all the data from NEOGEN now lost since we changed labs?
Absolutely not. Results from all animals tested through Neogen exist in the AHA genomic pipeline and will be utilized for necessary parentage discovery of future animals that will be tested at Weatherbys.

What validation steps were taken to ensure Weatherbys Scientific could perform?
Three different proof-of-concept trials were conducted to evaluate the accuracy of identifying the genetic abnormalities, horn/poll results and the SNP-based markers used in the genetic evaluation. These data were compared to existing data from the genomic pipeline and all animals had 100% concordance. 

I ordered several DNA tests prior to the announcement from AHA, where do I submit my samples?
You can still submit your samples to NEOGEN if you would like, or you can contact AHA customer service to get new kits re-issued for Weatherbys and take advantage of the price savings.

Does the lab switch change AHA policy around DNA storage?
No. Current AHA BOD-approved policy related to DNA storage applies and can be found online at https://hereford.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/HH25_25-DNA-Testing_Terms_Conditions.pdf.