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.
Whether you work in the animal industry, are part of a breed society or an individual animal owner, we can help you with tests on your animal/s.
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.
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.
If you have requirements for animals or tests that are not specifically mentioned on this page please get in touch with us and let us know what you need.
*all prices include GST
EPAGS current price list - all tests.pdf (39 KB)
Permit to import restricted biological products (MPI) (1,141 KB)
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.