Since 1992 Animal genetics and its avian division Avian Biotech International have tested over 1.5 million samples.  Animal Genetics performs a wide range of assays including DNA typing, infectious disease screening, genetic disorders screening, coat color identification and genetic sex identification.  Our panel for Equine DNA Typing is based on the internationally accepted panel of microsatallite markers set up by the International Society for Animal Genetics (ISAG).  Our equine profiles can be compared with other labs using the international alphanumeric nomenclature.

Our panel of markers has an efficacy rate greater than 99.99% for detection of incorrectly assigned parentage. Our laboratories are staffed with highly experienced people who process thousands of DNA tests from the United States and around the world.  Our crosschecking procedures for processing and recording ensure the highest level of accuracy and quality control.

Equine DNA Profiling
DNA profile, also referred to as genotyping or DNA Fingerprinting, creates a genetic code specific for each individual. Individuals inherit two sets of genes, one from each parent. A DNA profile is the inherited genetic information passed on by both parents to the offspring.

Parentage Testing
Parentage testing establishes the degree of relationship between the foal, and the suspected dam and sire.  DNA parentage testing can determine with extreme accuracy who is, or is not the possible sire or dam of a foal. DNA profiling is the most accurate and reliable method for determining the parentage of any foal.  Use our online parentage calculator to perform your own parentage verification.

Marker panel
Animal Genetics follows the standards set by the International Society of Animal Genetics (ISAG) and leading labs including The University of California (U.C. Davis).  All our profiles use a multi-plex genetic STR marker panel, consisting of 15 Loci: AHT4 – AHT5 – HMS6 – HMS7– HTG4 – VHL20 – ASB2 – HMS3 – HTG10 – ASB17 – ASB23 – LEX33 – LEX3 – CA425 – AME creating reliable results that are accepted throughout the world.  

How do we do it?
The principle bases for most parentage testing is ‘exclusion’.  An individual inherits one copy of each gene from each parent. When performing a DNA profile or genotype the idea is to compare a specific allele (fragment of DNA) of an individual with that of the dam and potential sire(s). Any alleles of DNA found in the foal, which are not present in the dam’s DNA, are concluded to have come from the sire. An assay of equine-specific markers allows for a DNA profile unique to that individual horse. Each marker generates two alleles (bands) of a particular size.  A genetic analyzer (ABI-3100) accurately identifies all 15 different STR markers. When an allele is the same size, it is considered homozygous i.e. the foal has inherited two identical copies, one from each parent. Where the two bands appear as different sizes, the individual is considered heterozygous, i.e. the foal has inherited one specific sized allele from each parent.  Results are shown as Confirmed or Excluded as well as all allele sizes are indicated. In cases of exclusion, all markers determining the point/s of exclusion are highlighted.

Cost

$40.00 US for single DNA Profile.
$100.00 US for Parentage Verification (Both parents and offspring).

Sample Collection

Collect sample by pulling (not cutting) 20-30 mane or tail hairs with roots attached. It is important that you pull the hairs and confirm that the actual root of the hair is being collected. The root contains the genetic material of your horse that is needed for DNA testing. Therefore, cut hairs do not provide an adequate sample of your horse. Place the collected hairs of each horse in a separate zip-lock bag labeling the bags accordingly with the horses name or identification number. Download and complete a submission form for each sample and send along with payment to Animal Genetics for testing.

EXAMPLE OF EQUINE DNA PARENTAGE REPORT: