Why The DNA Testing For Horses Is Important

By Eula Clarke


The genetic diseases cause emotional pain as well as a financial burden to the horse owners and breeders alike. In this category, the common ones include HERDA, MH, HYPP, PSSM1 & PSSM2, and GBED. However, if the breeder goes for the DNA testing for horses, it is possible to determine if your horse has genes that make it a carrier or exposes it to the chances of suffering from any of these hereditary conditions so that you can be well informed and make right decisions.

The Stock Horse breeds like the Paint Horse, Quarter Horse, and Appaloosa are associated with a number of hereditary diseases like the MH. The Polysaccharide Storage Myopathy whether it is type one or type two (PSSM1 and PSSM2) are also common with these breeds.

The cost can vary widely depending on the company you are dealing with, the number and types of tests among other factors. However, being an association member can help you cut the cost as most companies offer discounts for their members.

In most cases, the cost range from $75 to $200. The genetically related diseases have varying effects, in some cases; the symptoms can be mild and manageable or severe and at times terminal. The breeder cannot afford to pass such diseases to the successive generations.

Most companies prefer to send the DNA kit to the breeders or horse owners so that they get the necessary parts. In most cases, the tail hair, mane hair or both are then mailed back to the testing company who then take the samples to the laboratory, complete the testing and mail back the results to the breeder or the owner who is then required to update the horse records.

The DNA testing is a must for breeders, there is no other way about it, particularly for the commercial breeders. In this case, both the stallion and the mare have to be tested given that both parents stand an equal chance to be the carriers. The concept that the sibling carries a single allele from each parent, and it lacks one allele of one parent lacked it or both alleles if both parents lack them is undisputed concept. This explains why all the parents must be tested.

However, the DNA test is not for the breeders only, in fact, for any horse owner, these tests are very important. A number of genetic diseases are known to be non-symptomatic unless triggered. A simple anesthesia for instance triggers the Malignant Hyperthermia (MH) and the horse temperature rises to dangerous levels. Unless you are prepared to deal with the MH effects, something as simple as dentist appointment can leave you with a dead horse.

As far as the cost is concerned, it depends on the company and the arrangement between you. Some deals like membership cards can earn you discounts. However, you can also take the opportunity to test for the color genes to be able to predict the offspring color.




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