LIVESTOCK & DOMESTIC TESTING

DNA PROFILING & PARENTAGE

WHAT IS DNA PROFILING?

A DNA profile can be seen as a genetic fingerprint, which is unique to each animal.

The sample from the animal (hair, tissue, blood, or semen) will undergo DNA extraction, PCR amplification and then fragment analysis before the data can be analysed 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 sire of the offspring and one from the dam (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 animal and can be used to register your animal with various 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 dam and sire 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 dam and half of the alleles from the sire will be inherited by the offspring in different combinations. This allows us to determine parentage.

Applicable Species

MUTATION TESTING

PIGEON

Sex Determination

The test is designed to determine the biological sex of an animal.

Please note, that should your specific species and/or genetic service requirements not be listed under the indicated offerings, we do offer customised projects.

Please contact us at info@zooOmics.co.za outlining your requirements and we’ll advise accordingly.

For more information on sample types accepted: