The primary source of DNA for our lab is pulled hair samples with the hair bulb intact. Below are instructions on how to collect and submit hair samples for our various studies.
Hair can be pulled from either the mane or tail. We find it easier to take hair from the tail; the hair is longer to hang onto and the hair can be pulled in a downward motion rather than upward that is sometimes required for mane hair (i.e. you have a very tall horse). Below is an example of hair bulbs.
Most studies require at least 30 strands, or a pencil's width, of hair. The hairs can either be pulled in one clump, or in several clumps from different areas of the tail along the tail bone.
Tips on pulling hair:
- Wrap the hairs around your hand, then jerk down in one quick motion.
- To protect your hand, wrap masking tape around your pinkie finger.
- Keeping the bulb ends together, trim off the excess hair leaving at least 4 inches from the bulb.
Tape the hairs to the paper with the bulb end towards the top of the paper and with the tape in the middle of the hair sample. Hairs do not need to be taped individually. Below is an example of how the hairs should be taped.
Your hair sample is now ready to be submitted!