WHAT IS DNA PROFILING?
A DNA profile can be seen as a genetic fingerprint, which is unique to each animal.
The sample from the dog (blood, swab, or FTA card) will undergo DNA extraction, PCR amplification, and then fragment analysis before the data can be analyzed to produce the final result: the DNA profile report. There are various techniques to obtain a DNA profile but one of the most common and reliable methods to use, is microsatellite analysis. Microsatellites are short segments of DNA, spread throughout the genome, where the sequence of nucleotides (building blocks of DNA) repeat in the same pattern (e.g., ATATAT). This segment of DNA is fluorescently labelled, amplified, and analysed. There are two types of microsatellites present, one from the father of the dog and one from the mother (called alleles). The numbers present on the DNA profile certificate are the allele calls at a specific marker location. While the numbers on the report may seem fairly random, they are very useful as they vary between individuals, allowing for a unique identifier for each animal, like a fingerprint.
WHAT IS DNA PROFILING USED FOR?
A DNA profile is a unique identifier for your dog and can be used to register your dog with KUSA or other regulatory bodies. It is also used for parentage verification.
PARENTAGE VERIFICATION
Parentage verification can confirm a parent-to-offspring relationship based on genetics. The DNA profile of the mother and father will be compared to the DNA profile of the offspring, comparing the alleles that are present and that were inherited. Half of the alleles from the mother and half of the alleles from the father will be inherited by the offspring in different combinations. This allows us to determine parentage.
