All living things are defined by DNA. It is the blueprint for life because it codes for information on everything from nutrition to reproduction, respiration, and appearance. Biotechnology has been a revolution not only for humans but also for animals. Today, it is possible to predict disease or genetic disorder, establish parentage and predict phenotype in offspring. Such are the uses of equine DNA testing.
Equines may be tested for several reasons including to determine who their parents are. This information is required for breeding purposes. Determining pedigree information through traditional methods such as observation, manual identification and record keeping is inaccurate and yields the unintended offspring. As a result, scientific methods are preferred.
The aim of selective breeding is to come up with animals of superior performance or with certain phenotypic characteristics. Use of DNA ensures that this aim is met. The technology of genes may also be applied to determine if a horse possesses the risk of suffering from a certain disease. A genetic profile of the equine should reveal its set of genes from which an analyst can determine probability.
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 cost of the test depends on the type of test to be carried out. Also, the results can be sent to you, or you can view them online as most of these laboratories have websites. Company representatives also call to explain the results and what they mean for the horse. The results are usually in a chart form and are easily explained to the horse owner.
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.
Equines may be tested for several reasons including to determine who their parents are. This information is required for breeding purposes. Determining pedigree information through traditional methods such as observation, manual identification and record keeping is inaccurate and yields the unintended offspring. As a result, scientific methods are preferred.
The aim of selective breeding is to come up with animals of superior performance or with certain phenotypic characteristics. Use of DNA ensures that this aim is met. The technology of genes may also be applied to determine if a horse possesses the risk of suffering from a certain disease. A genetic profile of the equine should reveal its set of genes from which an analyst can determine probability.
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 cost of the test depends on the type of test to be carried out. Also, the results can be sent to you, or you can view them online as most of these laboratories have websites. Company representatives also call to explain the results and what they mean for the horse. The results are usually in a chart form and are easily explained to the horse owner.
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.
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