How to take a Hair Sample

Ever wondered the best way to take a hair sample?

Process:

• Pull (do not cut) hair from the tail switch, not tail head. Pull hair in the opposite direction from which the hair is laying. This results in less breakage than pulling straight out from the tail.

• Make sure hair is free of fecal material and dirt.

• Roots must be clearly visible. Approximately 30 hair roots are needed. For animals with finer hair, a minimum of 50 to 60 hairs is desired. For animals younger than three months, blood is recommended since hair roots will likely not be visible.

• Open the collector and peel back the plastic cover. Insert the root end of hairs in the middle of the collector. Seal the plastic cover over the hair and then close the collector cover tab.

• Trim excess hair extending from the collector. Write animal ID and other information in the spaces provided.

• Properly record animal IDs on the collector cards and correctly enter that information on your testing order form to ensure you

  are matching the right DNA to the right animal.