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Parentage DNA Tests, DNA profiles, genetic predispositions tests- you may have thought of these as being only applied to us humans. Advances in the field of genetic testing mean that today animal DNA testing is gaining popularity and is in high demand. On the whole, DNA between mammals is not too dissimilar especially in terms of structure and shape obviously the degree of similarity can be actually very close in related species.
As demands for the tests for our feline, equine, canine, and even bird friends increases, the number of tests available will also increase as more research is made into this new field. It is likely that in future, our reptile and arachnid friends will have DNA tests available to them.
Who would be interested in DNA animal testing?
Any of the following parties may be interested in these tests:
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Amateur pet lovers
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Veterinarians
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Breeders
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Registries
Animal Parentage testing
Using polymerase chain reaction, or PCR, laboratory analysts will analyze around 16 markers on the DNA of the animal in a parentage test. They will then compare the profile extracted with the other profile extracted from the other sample to see if the biological relationship is close enough to establish a parent-offspring relationship. Extended testing and analyzing added genetic markers can be done in case the animals are closely related and one needs to establish the relationship between them. Reports of such tests will show an exclusion or an inclusion for the offspring tested.
Equine DNA Testing – Testing for Horses
Determining relationship, parentage or lineage of a horse can easily be done with current DNA testing techniques by analyzing the alleles the parent horse passes on to its offspring. The test can be easily carried out with hair sample or an oral mouth swab which is simply rubbed in the mouth of your horse in a procedure that is absolutely painless and harmless to the horse.
The company from which you purchase your animal testing kit will provide you with a kit which will enable you to take the samples from the animal. In the kit you will also have instructions on how to take your samples and the return address to which to send the kit for testing to commence.
Sexing the Bird
Avian testing can be used to determine the sex of your birds as it is often difficult to determine the sex of a bird by simply looking at it as male and females birds do not always have an characteristic that enable distinction between the two. DNA can be collected from two sources:
1. Bird feathers- plucked there and then and not those dropped naturally. DNA is contained at the base of the feather so one must make sure to keep this intact.
2. Blood- the blood is collected by clipping the nail of the bird at the cut line for blood collecting which is a tiny bit above the mark at which avian nail grooming takes place.
People worried about their pet being stolen are currently showing interest in testing as having their pets DNA profile could make it easier to locate the animal. DNA animal testing keeps finding more and more applicability and as the awareness and demand grows, scientists will provide more and more DNA tests. |
