Non-Human Whole Genome Sequencing

Overview

The UMN Genomics Center brings the same research-grade whole-genome sequencing (WGS) used for human projects to a broad range of non-human species, including agriculturally important livestock, crops, and disease-associated microbes. With advances in sequencing technologies and dramatic reductions in cost, WGS has become a first-line approach for many projects, often preferred over genotyping arrays and genotyping-by-sequencing. Low-pass (aka “Skim-Seq”) WGS approaches with imputation are particularly useful for marker-assisted breeding strategies and population genetics.

Non-human WGS is available on both the Element AVITI24 and Ultima UG 100 platforms, each with distinct strengths:

Ultima UG 100: Uses ≈200–300 bp single-end reads to enable ultra-high-throughput, cost-effective sequencing, with somewhat lower performance for indels and long homopolymers. Suited for nearly all genomes and of particular utility for large genomes and population-based studies, where there is a vast need for sequencing.
Element AVITI24: Uses paired-end 2x150 bp reads to deliver high-quality SNV and indel detection. Best suited for genomes 50–100 megabases and smaller projects where the highest quality is desired.

What’s Included

Sample Quality Control: Rigorous assessment of sample integrity and quantity.
Library Creation: PCR+ workflow for ultra-high throughput indexing.
Next-Generation Sequencing: Sequencing is performed on either the UG 100 or AVITI24 at 30x coverage, delivering robust depth for genome-wide analysis.
Primary Data QC: Comprehensive evaluation of sequencing metrics to verify data completeness and quality.

Species We Can Work With

We support whole-genome sequencing for a broad range of non-human species, including but not limited to livestock and aquaculture species (cattle, swine, poultry, salmon), companion animals (dogs, cats, horses), major crops (maize, rice, soybean, millet), and diverse microbes and fungal or oomycete pathogens. For model organisms such as D. melanogaster and C. elegans, see our Model Organism Sequencing Service, and for mouse models, see our Human WGS Service.

Getting Started

The UMGC is an accredited Ultima Genomics UG 100 Certified Service Provider, one of only a handful worldwide and the sole academic site with this distinction. This recognition reflects our depth of experience in generating high-quality data on state-of-the-art sequencing platforms. To start a WGS sequencing project on the UG 100 or the AVITI, email us at [email protected].

Pricing

Because both platforms generate high-quality WGS data, platform selection often depends on genome size. While the UMGC can tailor any WGS project to your specific needs, the table below summarizes our standard recommendations across genome sizes, with the Ultima UG 100 generally preferred for its lower cost per genome.

30x Minimum Coverage

Genome Size	Batch Size	Platform	Cost/sample (UMN)	Cost/sample (External)
50–100 MB	24 samples	Element AVITI	$37.50	$43.24
100–250 MB	12 samples	Ultima UG 100	$33.40	$37.68
250–500 MB	12 samples	Ultima UG 100	$50.85	$56.95
500–750 MB	12 samples	Ultima UG 100	$68.30	$76.22
750–1000 MB	12 samples	Ultima UG 100	$85.75	$95.49
≥ 1 Gb	Inquire	Ultima UG 100	Inquire	Inquire

Rates listed included sample QC, PCR+ library preparation, 30x sequencing, and primary data QC.

For non-human WGS projects that need PCR-free library preparation, accelerated timelines, or customized coverage, such as ultra-deep sequencing, low-pass sequencing, and de novo assemblies, we offer library preparation and sequencing priced separately.

Add-on Data Analysis

For AVITI projects, read mapping and variant calling can be added when a reference genome is available, with pricing based on genome size, sample number, and any custom analyses.

For UG 100 projects, read mapping is included at no additional cost when a reference genome is available. Additional downstream and custom analyses (e.g., CNV and structural variant assessment) can be added for a fee based on genome size and project scope.

Submission