What Breeds Does the Test Work On?
Tru-Polled™ is validated for use with Charolais, Gelbvieh, Hereford ,
Limousin , Salers and Simmental cattle. One of Tru-Polled™’s many
benefits is that it can be used on cattle of any age.

What Types of Samples are Used? 
A drop of blood blotted onto one of MMI Genomics’ MicroCards is the
preferred sample and collection method although you may also
submit a semen sample. MMI Genomics can also use any archived
samples originally submitted for another DNA test. Hair samples
aren’t usable for the Tru-Polled™ test.

How do I Collect Samples?
Everything you need for collecting test samples comes pre-packaged in MMI Genomics’ DNA Sample Collection Kit: a Sample Order Form; a
MicroCard for collecting, handling, storing and shipping blood
samples; an 18-gauge hypodermic needle; and easy-to-follow
illustrated instructions.

How Do I Order a Sample Collection Kit?    
E-mail orders can be placed through our website.  Simply click the
following link [Sample Collection Kit].  Please be sure to include your
name, shipping address, daytime phone number and the number of
kits required.

Tru-Polled™ orders can also be placed by phone through our
automated voice mail system or by speaking directly to a Customer
Support specialist:  Please speak slowly and clearly to ensure prompt
and accurate service, and remember to leave your name, address,
daytime phone number, and the number of kits needed.

MMI Genomics
Cattle Customer Support
1-800-311-8808

Kits can be purchased directly from MMI Genomics for $2.00 per kit with
     a minimum of 5 kits per order plus an additional $5.00 for shipping and
     handling. Shipping of kits can be expedited through FedEx Standard
     delivery for $25.00. You will need one kit per animal being tested and the      kits can be stored indefinitely prior to sample collection.

How Do I Submit a Sample for Testing?
Store your MicroCards in a cool, dry place until you’re ready to use
them. In addition to providing a convenient way of collecting samples,
these cards are well-suited for sample handling and processing in a
high-throughput laboratory such as MMI Genomics.’ The cards also
provide a stable format for long-term DNA sample archiving; a benefit
especially valuable should you wish to have other DNA tests performed
on the animal in the future.

Before mailing your samples, double check your order to make sure
your samples are identified and that your Tru-Polled™ Sample Order
Form is completed and signed (incomplete or unsigned orders may be
delayed or returned untested). Semen straws should also be labeled
with the appropriate animal’s identification and packaged so they are
protected against bending or breakage during shipment. 

Best of all, no special handling of the samples is required and both
blood and semen samples can be shipped by regular mail to:

MMI Genomics, Inc.
Attn: Tru-Polled™ Testing
1756 Picasso Avenue
Davis , CA 95618

What’s the Turn-Around Time for Getting Results?
Test results are available two weeks from the day the sample is
processed. During peak season, November through April, DNA
samples are processed on the first and third Monday of every month.
Samples submitted in May through October, are processed on the first
Monday of every month.

How Much Does the Test Cost?
Testing is $110.00 per animal. There’s an additional $5.00 fee for
testing samples already archived at MMI Genomics.

When Do I Pay for the Test?
Payment, with a major credit card, must be received upon submission
of samples. (Note: Fees are waived when sample reports are
inconclusive as explained below.)

Eleven Samples for the Price of 10.  To celebrate Tru-Polled™’s
industry-wide launch, MMI Genomics is offering a limited time, volume discount price. Send in 10 samples and get an 11th sample tested at
no additional charge. All samples must be sent in as a group to qualify
for this discount, valid through May 31, 2005 .

How are the Test Results Reported?
To fully understand how test results determine whether an animal is
horned, heterozygous polled or homozygous polled, it’s important to
know that every bovine has two copies of either the polled and/or the
horned gene. One copy of each gene is inherited from the sire and the
other from the dam. Horned animals have two copies of the recessive
horned gene, while phenotypically (physically) polled animals will
always have one or two copies of the dominant polled gene.
Furthermore, animals with two copies of the dominant polled gene will
produce only phenotypically polled offspring.

Based on the inheritance of horned vs. polled, the ideal candidates for
Tru-Polled™ testing are those that are phenotypically polled and are
from two polled parents. It’s never necessary to test horned animals as
their genotype is already known.  

Tru-Polled™ results are reported in one of four categories:
1. Homozygous polled = two copies of the polled gene.
2. Heterozygous polled = one copy of the polled gene and one copy of the horned gene.
3. Horned = no copies of the polled gene, two copies of the horned
gene.
4. Inconclusive = the test cannot determine if the animal has copies of either the horned gene or the polled gene.

Breeders can expect inconclusive results for 10 to 15 percent of the
animals tested. An inconclusive result means that even though the
sample was satisfactory and the lab was able to generate DNA marker
genotypes, these genotypes weren’t able to detect differences between
the animal’s horned or polled genes. New samples aren’t necessary as
inconclusive results will not change with a different sample from the
same animal. Again, inconclusive tests will not result in charges.

How Accurate is the Test?
The development of the innovative Breed-Tru™ Program, of which
Tru-Polled™ is a part, has earned MMI Genomics an industry-wide
reputation for sound research and for providing consistent, accurate,
reliable data. But even with their rigorous attention to detail and a
Quality Control program second to none, MMI Genomics
acknowledges that it’s virtually impossible to eliminate all potential
sources for error. You’ll find a copy of MMI Genomics’ disclaimer
noting this information on your test report and on the Sample
Submission Form. Whenever an animal is sold, MMI Genomics
recommends that a copy of the test report, with the disclaimer, be
given to the new owner.

MMI Genomics also reports that the Tru-Polled™ test cannot detect or
provide genotypic information regarding the presence or absence of
scurs or the scurred gene. Phenotypic classification of animals as
horned, smooth polled or scurred is difficult because the distinction
between horns and scurs may not be readily determined and because
horns mask the presence of scurs.

Even with these considerations, MMI Genomics notes that the test itself
is scientifically validated to an impressive 95 percent confidence level.
With millions of samples processed through MMI Genomics’ labs, you
can feel confident that everything humanly and scientifically possible
is being done to ensure the accuracy of your testing and report.