How much does it cost?

Our core purpose is to bring DNA analysis within reach of all commercial sheep farmers and stud breeders. For the 26/27 season the cost for parentage is $12 per animal. If you have a large volume, we can go a little lower, if you need something done urgently it will be a little more.

If you want to use Totogen samplng tubes and the Totopunch we can offer them for just $1 per tube (plus the cost of the punch). 

If you want to know more, give us a call.

Minimum samples

To benefit from low-cost analysis for parentage data we have a minimum of 100 samples from any single order.  If you want fewer samples analysed or bespoke analysis of some kind, give us a call and we will put together a quote.  

Becoming a customer

To become a Totogen customer we just need to get you set up in our system.  Email us (info@totogen.co.nz) with your contact details  (name, mobile number, brief details of what you are looking for) and we'll get right back to you.

How much does using the TotoPunch system cost?

The TotoPunch has been developed for Totogen by Maun, a brand well-known to Kiwi farmers.  The original design (developed by Tim Hore) has been refined and continues to be refined as we get feedback from customers.  Our aim is to give farmers a low-cost alternative to TSUs such as Allflex.  We only charge $1 for the tube and $180 for the punch, compared with other TSUs that cost $5 plus per unit.  That's a huge saving and, together with the low-cost DNA analysis, parentage with Totogen is only in the region of $13 per animal (plus the people costs in the yards).  

We have rigorously tested the Totopunch system in the lab and on-farm.  The risk of contamination between samples is negligible, and the accuracy of results is consistently 90% + (95% for sires and over 90% for dams).  

Having said all of that, if you want to use TSUs, go for your life - we are more than happy to process them.

Sending samples to Totogen

Once you have collected your samples you should courier them to us as soon as possible.  Samples do not need to be chilled or frozen but should be kept at room temperature.  

Turnaround times

Totogen aims to achieve a turnaround time of 4-6 weeks from the date of receipt of the samples.  To keep the cost as low as possible we process a large number of samples at the same time (we call it ‘filling the train with passengers’).  Where deadlines allow, we may wait on processing your sample until we have sufficient samples from other customers to process at the same time. 

Turnaround times for bespoke analyses and research projects are individually agreed.

How do I manage the data?

If you are already using a farm management system that allows you to record information at the level of the individual animal (such as FarmIQ), then the most effective and efficient way to make the most of parentage analysis is to add it your existing system.  When you place an order with Totogen, let us know what system you are using so that we can have the data in the right format (or, with FarmIQ, input it directly for you).  

If you want to use Excel or Google spreadsheets to manage your data, it is helpful to give us oversight of your spreasheet structure so that we can map our data to your structure.

If you are just using pen and paper, hats off to you!

Integration with FarmIQ

If you are a FarmIQ customer we can import your parentage data directly into your FarmIQ account (note that you need to be on the Pro Pack to use the parentage features).  

Can I switch to Totogen?

If you are already involved in a genetics programme, it is well worth talking to Totogen to see if we can help you bring your costs down.  You'll also have the reassurance of having your samples processed here in New Zealand (which is reassuring given the potential delays in international shipping).

Can you analyse for other genetic markers?

We can test for other markers including Polling, Yellow Fat and GDF9.  If you are interested in any of these, get in touch.  If you're interested in something else, talk to us, we can point you in the right direction, or help you to put together a research effort to see if we can unearth a suitable marker.

Not a sheep person?

We love sheep, it's in the Totogen DNA!  But if you have a need for DNA services for any other animal just give us a call. 

For the 2026/2027 season we will have a cattle parentage product being field tested.  Give us a call if you are interested.

When is the best time to start a parentage programme?

It's like planting a tree.  The best time was 10 years ago, the second best time is now.

Talk to us today about how to get started.