GeneSeek Inc and Sequenom Inc announced an agreement that will enable high throughput genetic analysis and identity testing for the livestock industries. Sequenom has placed a MassARRAY system in GeneSeek's new genetic analysis facility in Lincoln, Neb., which will be used to scan livestock for genetic variation for applications such as gene discovery, trait testing, viral and bacterial identification, parentage analysis and identity matching for accurate tracing of meat products through the full chain of production. The MassARRAY system is Sequenom's industry leading product line for high performance analysis of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), the most common form of genetic variation.

GeneSeek currently provides DNA-based diagnostic testing and sample storage to a majority of the U.S. pig breeding market. In addition, GeneSeek has a growing market presence in the swine veterinary diagnostic field. GeneSeek's entry into the market of DNA-based identity testing and sample traceback in cattle was recently highlighted by genotyping agreements with the genetic service providers Frontier Beef Systems (Lafayette, Colo.) and Midwest Microsystems (Lincoln, Neb.).

The agreement also includes long-term arrangements for provision of MassARRAY assay design services and consumables, including license fees to Sequenom for each test result. GeneSeek plans to immediately convert many of its existing DNA-based analysis and identity testing platforms to the MassARRAY format.

In addition to diagnostic and identity testing, GeneSeek is currently the leading provider of contract genome scans for gene discovery research in livestock species. "The MassARRAY system will enable us to develop and market SNP-based genome scan services for our corporate and academic gene discovery client base," said Daniel Pomp, co-founder and Chief Scientific Officer of GeneSeek. "This will facilitate use of association analysis toward development of haplotype tests for economically important production and disease related traits."

The agreement with GeneSeek follows Sequenom's first commercial MassARRAY system placement with the Agricultural Research Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), which purchased a MassARRAY system as part of its program to analyze SNP markers in livestock populations. The USDA's research involves identification and testing for genetic markers and favorable traits for breeding in future generations of livestock. The MassARRAY system is being used at the U.S. Meat Animal Research Center in Clay Center, Neb.