2021 USSA Member Directory

SUFFOLKS AND DNA TESTING Suffolks have definitely been the “Breed in the Lead” when it comes to DNA testing and have widely adopted DNA testing to manage both scrapie susceptibility and Spider Syndrome. Several breeds at many sales now require that sellers guarantee the codon 171 and spider genotypes of their sheep, a practice originated by the USSA. A CAUTIONARY NOTE The laboratories that do DNA testing are very good and mistakes are very rare.

Breeders are generally very good sample takers and mistakes are very rare. However, humans are involved and mistakes are made. There are sad stories of people paying lots of money for their RR stud ram, using him on a large group of their top ewes and then finding QQ lambs among the offspring. (Remember, it is not possible to get QQ lambs when even one parent is RR.) The take home lesson is that sometimes the expense of an extra DNA test is very inexpensive insurance.

Suffolk Promotional Items ● Suffolk Directories ● Pens We’d love for you to take these items to shows, sales, youth events! C ontact the USSA Office! ● Notepads ● Chapstick ● Window/bumper stickers

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