Freemartin Testing

RD10

As the title suggests, I have a heifer I'd like to get checked.

Anyone aware of anywhere that does it or has anyone ever had DNA testing done successfully?

Base price

Wetherbys Ireland - https://weatherbysscientific.com/bovine/

and this company in Cork - https://dnaireland.ie/product/freemartin-test-bovine/

148multi

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058264419/freemartin-testing

Your vet should know from manual examination, vagina about one third of the length of a normal one and no cervix.

Ai man should also known.

Diarmuid B

Weatherbys do it up in naas. You need to submit a blood sample from the heifer and also a hair sample with good roots on it for the test to work.

reiska

Most freemartins can be picked out by an experienced dairy stockman. The vagina is shorter and the udder is tight, not loose and free. Bought 6 maidens from a bunch of 7 of an honest man one time and he asked me to find the freemartin. I couldn't until he pointed out the scrunched up udder..Told me it was always an indicator and I've seen it so many times since.

Siamsa Sessions

Just to be awkward: give her two bites of the cherry with AI straws. If she's not in calf after that, she may as well be a freemartin!

I've one here that I bought in as a calf. I must have a closer look later to see if the udder is scrunched up.

dohc turbo2

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119651959#Comment_119651959

Lad I worked with freez branding could pick them out , I remember him saying they were some difference at the back end , long time ago I forget what he said

greysides

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119654473#Comment_119654473

They can be picked out that way but some changes are internal only. You get all shades of grey with this condition. From missing just one side of the uterus (and going in calf) to having a clitoris that is enlarged and hangs down like a sausage. Most generally having a lot of long hairs around the vulva and perhaps a protruding (more obvious) clitoris. Some have a heavy confirmation, more like a bull. When you put your hand into the rectum, most feel like a bullock... there's nothing under your hand except bone, no soft tissue in the way.

RD10

Cheers everyone.