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.
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.
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 collection of samples is not difficult at all. It all depends on the sample to be collected. Hair samples are the most preferred and are collected by plucking a few strands of the tail or the mane. Cheek cells can be obtained by gently brushing the insides of the cheek using a cheek brush. For blood samples, 3ml is drawn and transferred to an EDTA Vacutainer tube for mailing.
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.
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.
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 collection of samples is not difficult at all. It all depends on the sample to be collected. Hair samples are the most preferred and are collected by plucking a few strands of the tail or the mane. Cheek cells can be obtained by gently brushing the insides of the cheek using a cheek brush. For blood samples, 3ml is drawn and transferred to an EDTA Vacutainer tube for mailing.
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.
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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