DNA tests track rustlers

Genetic tests originally developed so farmers could check the parentage of their calves have been adapted for use in prosecutions for rustling.

Livestock Improvement (LIC) DNA arm Genemark has developed a system that allows farmers to take tissue samples from their livestock and prove ownership of an animal, or even steaks sliced from it.

The test will help police prove a freezer-load of meat was purloined from a specific farm when rustlers steal livestock and slaughter it.