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 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.
DNA can be tested in various genetic laboratories around the world. A simple search online reveals many companies. They have a set of sample collection procedures and guidelines that one may follow in order to extract the sample to be used for the test. After collection, the samples are sent to the laboratories through post service from anywhere around the world.
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.
Once inside the laboratory, the first step is to extract DNA. The hair follicle cells are used in the case of hair, and the cheek and blood cells are separated until the nucleus is obtained. Once extraction is complete, specialized genetic methods are used to produce a profile or genotype of the equine through the use of a standard twelve specific gene marker. From each marker, there are two alleles and one is from each parent.
As humans, DNA technology has become a very important aspect of our lives. Now, we can use it to improve other species on Earth. For horses, the technology enables pure breeding. It is also possible to predict whether a particular horse is likely to give offspring with certain genetic conditions and disorders. More importantly, breeders can rely on this technology to establish true and accurate parentage of a horse before breeding it.
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 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.
DNA can be tested in various genetic laboratories around the world. A simple search online reveals many companies. They have a set of sample collection procedures and guidelines that one may follow in order to extract the sample to be used for the test. After collection, the samples are sent to the laboratories through post service from anywhere around the world.
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.
Once inside the laboratory, the first step is to extract DNA. The hair follicle cells are used in the case of hair, and the cheek and blood cells are separated until the nucleus is obtained. Once extraction is complete, specialized genetic methods are used to produce a profile or genotype of the equine through the use of a standard twelve specific gene marker. From each marker, there are two alleles and one is from each parent.
As humans, DNA technology has become a very important aspect of our lives. Now, we can use it to improve other species on Earth. For horses, the technology enables pure breeding. It is also possible to predict whether a particular horse is likely to give offspring with certain genetic conditions and disorders. More importantly, breeders can rely on this technology to establish true and accurate parentage of a horse before breeding it.
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