The Importance Of The DNA Testing For Horses

By Eula Clarke


In order to avoid emotional pain and financial burden that is the norm when trying to manage a sick horse, it pays to take an early precaution. Unfortunately, there are several diseases in horse family that are hereditary. Just like the color, there is a good chance of predicting the majority of these diseases and therefore prevent breeding that can result in any of the said diseases. The most trusted and accurate way of predicting the genetically related diseases is the DNA testing for horses that is now done by many laboratories; the majority of which can be trusted.

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 same can be said of the HERDA, HYPP and the GBED. If the breed carries the Frame Overo, then the breeder must be careful to avoid the OLWS.

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.

The DNA testing is not the job of breeders only; even the horse owners need these records. There are several hereditary diseases that do not show symptoms and have to be triggered before they show. The MH for instance, can be triggered by anesthesia. As such, you have to be well prepared unless you want a dead horse after a dentist visit. PSSM 1 & 2 can be regulated by managing the diet, and this is only possible if the owner is aware of this condition.

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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