Massey University's Equine Parentage and Animal Genetic Services Centre (EPAGS) offers the most comprehensive range of DNA-based genetic testing for animals in New Zealand and we are the only organisation to offer equine blood-typing in Australasia. The Centre is recognised by the International Society of Animal Genetics.
We are now able to SNP test for all species and can run SNP chips of any size on our Illumina iScan.
You can supply your DNA samples and chips directly to us, or we can perform the DNA extraction for you and run on your specified chip.
We can assist you with your research and testing requirements. Contact us today to set up your SNP chip run
Our main test for alpaca is genotyping - primarily for parentage verification.
Sample requirements for alpaca tests is a blood card.
Tests cost NZ$70 per sample.
EPAGS Test Submission Form.pdf (140 KB)
Tests include sexing and screening for chyamydia and psitticine beak and feather disease.
A chlamydia test requires dry swabs and malaria test need a blood sample. All other tests require feathers or blood samples.
Cost for bird sexing is $35, PBFD or chlamydia detection $35, and Malaria detection $60.
We offer cattle (bovine) testing including genotyping for parentage verification and some genetic screening tests.
All cattle tests require hair or blood samples. Semen samples are accepted with a $10 surcharge per straw.
All tests are NZ$30-35.
We offer genotyping, DM, EIC, HUU and PRA-PRCD. Sample requirements is a buccal swab, blood card or hair with roots.
Testing costs between NZ$35-NZ$70 per sample.
*all prices include GST
EPAGS General Price List for Tests.pdf (50 KB)
Permit to import restricted biological products (MPI) (1,141 KB)
If you have requirements for animals or tests that are not specifically mentioned on this page please get in touch with us below and let us know what you need.
Animals being tested for registration purposes may need to be submitted through your breed society. If you do not already have one or are unsure, please talk to your relevant breed association or society regarding their specific requirements.
If you have any questions please contact Michelle Fremaux (Centre Director) on (06) 951 6472 or contact us below.
Used for identification, parent verification and registration.
These tests detect inherited diseases.
Used for sex determination and screening of infectious diseases in domestic and native birds.
Identify suitability of blood donors and help to identify foals/mares at risk of neonatal isoerythrolysis (NI)
Used to help with prediction of coat colour in foals and predisposition to some inherited diseases.
EPAGS CANINE Submission Form.xlsx (142 KB)