DNA Collection Made Easier
A beginner‑friendly guide from Bryant Cattle Company
Whether you’re a brand‑new Longhorn owner or a long time owner learning the ropes, DNA testing is an important part of responsible cattle ownership. It helps confirm pedigree, track genetics, and keep the breed strong for the future.
This guide walks you through the four most common ways to collect DNA — hair, tissue (TSU), blood cards and semen straw — using simple steps anyone can follow.
1. Hair Sample Collection
The easiest and most common method — great for beginners.
What You Need
- Your hands with or without gloves
- A paper envelope
- The animal’s name and registration number
Steps
- Find the right spot
Go to the switch of the tail or the top of the tailhead.
- Pull 25–30 hairs with the roots attached
Look for the white bulbs at the end — that’s the DNA.
- Don’t cut the hair
Cutting removes the roots and makes the sample unusable.
- Keep the root ends together
Line them up neatly.
- Put the hair in a paper envelope or the proper hair card
Paper keeps the sample dry and clean.
- Label the envelope
Include:
- Send it to
Neogen Genomics
4131 N. 48th St.
Lincoln, NE 68504
2. TSU Tissue Sample Collection (TSU Units)
Fast, clean, and great for larger herds or show programs.
What You Need
- TSU applicator
- TSU collection units
Steps
- Load the TSU into the applicator
- Pick the right spot on the ear
Aim for the middle third of the ear.
- Collect the sample with one firm squeeze
- Check the tube
Make sure the sample is inside and the tube is sealed.
- Label the tube clearly
- Store it in a cool, dry place
- Send it in
Neogen Genomics
4131 N. 48th St.
Lincoln, NE 68504
3. Blood Card Collection
Another option when hair or tissue isn’t available.
What You Need
- Blood card
- Needle or lancet
- Gloves
Steps
- Clean the area
The ear or tail fold works well.
- Prick the skin to get a drop of blood
- Let the blood soak into the card
Fill the circle completely.
- Let the card air‑dry
Lay it flat for several hours.
- Label the card
Animal name, registration number, date.
Mail it to the lab
Neogen Genomics
4131 N. 48th St.
Lincoln, NE 68504
4. Straw of Semen
Another option when it’s available:
5. Tips for Success
- Always pull hair — don’t cut it
- Keep samples dry
- Label everything
- Double‑check registration numbers
- Don’t mix up TSU tubes
6. You’ve Got This
Every great breeder, rancher, and showman started somewhere — and learning how to collect DNA is a big step in the right direction. At Bryant Cattle Company, we’re proud to help new and experienced owners build confidence and learn the right way from day one.
We highly recommend creating your own account with Neogen. By doing this you have total access to your samples of DNA. You own it. They have reasonable supplies for collecting DNA and even offer other vet supplies at a bargain If you ever need help or want someone to walk you through it, we’re here.
Here are some great video tutorials that will help you -
Getting started with Neogen -
https://www.neogen.com/en/usac/genomics-how-to/?srsltid=AfmBOoorXH2RiiktVYgpbolMRYAFJAvoVNgPL9iFXf0vGWJZ4tXl66Dq
How to use the Allflex Tissue Gun –
Blood Cards, Hair Cards, Tissue sampling units to be ordered from Neogen -
https://www.neogen.com/en/categories/sampling-equipment/