Equine DNA Profiling (Genotyping)
Note: DNA Profiling will not determine the breed make-up of a horse.
Would you like to have a permanent, fail-proof ID for your horse?
Equine Profiling (Genotyping) is used to establish a secure, permanent ID for your horse in case it is lost, stolen or to prove parentage. Using the same technology as parentage testing among equine families, the unique set of allele sizes for the horse are tested and recorded.
DNA Profiles also serve as a tool for breeders who need to keep DNA Profile records of their breeding stock (dams and sires) in case a parentage verification of their offspring is ever needed in the future. Many registries keep records of DNA Profiles to verify pedigrees.
The Equine Profile report will include the industries standard STR marker panel plus additional markers for an optimized panel of 23 DNA markers. Profiles are reported in the standard letter code. Each DNA marker has 2 allele sizes: one is inherited from the dam and one from the sire. These DNA markers do not tell about inherited traits, diseases or breed make-up.
DNA testing is performed from hair samples collected from the mane above the withers. The DNA is contained in the root bulb (follicle). The hair from the mane of a foal may be fine and not have much of a root bulb. When collecting samples from young foals, collect hair from the tail instead where the follicle at the end will be larger.