DNA is the blueprint of all living things. It contains information that dictates how they breathe, eat, reproduce and look like. DNA technology has revolutionized how we do things. It enables one to determine parentage, predict the appearance of a phenotype or even a disease present in the parent population to the offspring. This technology is not only available for humans but also for animals such as horses. Equine DNA testing is used on horses.
There are various why one would like their horse tested. One is to establish parentage before breeding. It is always very crucial to determine pedigree information scientifically before making any breeding decisions. Observation, manual identification and record keeping may not be adequate and are prone to errors.
The process of breeding is usually a careful one. The breeder must identify and select only characteristics that are deemed superior depending on the purpose of the horse. They include better performance, endurance and also certain phenotypic appearances. DNA makes an accurate selection possible. It also helps predict the possibility of developing a disease or certain physical characteristics through the use of a profile.
The globe is dotted with numerous animal genetic laboratories where these tests can be carried out. Searching for them online gives a list of several companies located around the world. Most of them have a list of instructions and guidelines on how to collect samples. After samples are collected, they may be sent to the genetic laboratory through the mail from anywhere across the globe.
The prices are different depending on the type and number of tests to be performed. After analysis, the company will send the results to you through email or through an account on their website. They are usually in the form of a chart used to display genetic information, but they will contact you by the telephone to clarify and help you understand the implications for the horse.
The horse owner collects the samples. It is not a difficult process but depends on the sample to be collected. Some tests may ask for some strands of hair either from the mane or the tail. Additionally, one may be asked for cheek cells obtained from inside the cheek using a soft cheek brush. A blood sample is drawn using a syringe. Around 3ml is then transferred to an EDTA Vacutainer and mailed to the laboratory.
Upon arrival at the laboratory, the technicians extract DNA from the samples. The hair follicles, cheek cells and blood cells are all separated to yield the genetic material. Twelve specific gene markers, after extraction, are tested for production of a profile or genotype. The markers comprise of alleles that consists of two genes, one gene from either parent.
DNA technology is now part and parcel of everyone of us. It has made our lives better on Earth. Now we can use it on animals during breeding to ensure that we yield high performing horses that are not prone to disease. Also, it is now possible to know the parentage of a horse before breeding and be 100% sure.
There are various why one would like their horse tested. One is to establish parentage before breeding. It is always very crucial to determine pedigree information scientifically before making any breeding decisions. Observation, manual identification and record keeping may not be adequate and are prone to errors.
The process of breeding is usually a careful one. The breeder must identify and select only characteristics that are deemed superior depending on the purpose of the horse. They include better performance, endurance and also certain phenotypic appearances. DNA makes an accurate selection possible. It also helps predict the possibility of developing a disease or certain physical characteristics through the use of a profile.
The globe is dotted with numerous animal genetic laboratories where these tests can be carried out. Searching for them online gives a list of several companies located around the world. Most of them have a list of instructions and guidelines on how to collect samples. After samples are collected, they may be sent to the genetic laboratory through the mail from anywhere across the globe.
The prices are different depending on the type and number of tests to be performed. After analysis, the company will send the results to you through email or through an account on their website. They are usually in the form of a chart used to display genetic information, but they will contact you by the telephone to clarify and help you understand the implications for the horse.
The horse owner collects the samples. It is not a difficult process but depends on the sample to be collected. Some tests may ask for some strands of hair either from the mane or the tail. Additionally, one may be asked for cheek cells obtained from inside the cheek using a soft cheek brush. A blood sample is drawn using a syringe. Around 3ml is then transferred to an EDTA Vacutainer and mailed to the laboratory.
Upon arrival at the laboratory, the technicians extract DNA from the samples. The hair follicles, cheek cells and blood cells are all separated to yield the genetic material. Twelve specific gene markers, after extraction, are tested for production of a profile or genotype. The markers comprise of alleles that consists of two genes, one gene from either parent.
DNA technology is now part and parcel of everyone of us. It has made our lives better on Earth. Now we can use it on animals during breeding to ensure that we yield high performing horses that are not prone to disease. Also, it is now possible to know the parentage of a horse before breeding and be 100% sure.
About the Author:
You can visit www.etalondx.com/ for more helpful information about All You Need To Know About Equine DNA Testing.