Pet DNA Services of AZ - Equine DNA Testing

Here are some of the most commonly asked questions
we receive regarding our Equine DNA testing services.
Feel free to Email Us if your question is not answered here.

Question
How long have you been offering DNA testing services?
Pet DNA Services of AZ was officially established in August 2004. Although we are relatively new, our Director's long record of successful research work in DNA testing and analysis (see Credentials) is a foundation which guarantees top quality services accompanied by thorough, expert interpretation of the test results.

Question
Do I need to send a separate hair sample from the same horse or donkey for each test I am requesting?
No. We only need one pulled hair sample (about 20-30 strands) from each equine to perform all tests we offer.

Question
For how long is the pulled hair useful for DNA testing?
In our experience, the hair can be used for several months after it is collected. Just please make sure to keep it dry.

Question
What is the purpose for DNA testing of coat color genes?
The information gained from DNA testing of coat color genes is useful in several ways. It can help to define/verify the base color of a horse (particularly if obscured by other genes such as Grey, double Cream Dilution), and to determine the possibility whether a horse can (or cannot) produce certain color(s) in the foals. Based on the DNA test results, the owner has the opportunity to make an educated decision with what mate to breed the horse to increase the probability of getting offspring with a desired color. A special case is testing for the Lethal White Overo gene (LWO/OLWS) to detect carriers of this mutation. Because the mating between two LWO/OLWS carriers has a 25% calculated risk of producing a lethal white foal, conscientious testing for LWO/OLWS is important to minimize/prevent such unfortunate events.

Question
What is the youngest age at which a horse or donkey foal can be reliably tested?
A reliable DNA testing can be performed at any age, starting with a newborn foal. However, we need pulled tail hair from such young foals.

Question
Does my horse or donkey have to be registered to be tested in your lab?
No.

Question
What ID information do you need to issue a certificate for an unregistered horse or donkey (or if registration is pending)?
Breed/Registry, Gender, DOB, and - if available - the name and registration numbers of the parents.

Question
Why do I have to provide a picture of the horse or donkey I want to have tested?
Although we appreciate it if a picture is available, it is not a requirement. However, the interpretation of color test results is sometime more accurate and effective if we have a photo. You don't have to send us a printed photo - just email it, or provide a link to your website.

Question
What does the word "Agouti" mean?
Agouti is a rodent living in South America, which has a typical hair color pattern that is also found in many other animals (mice, rats, rabbits etc). The hair has dark and light banding, which is controlled by a gene that has been named Agouti. This gene modifies where the black pigment shows up. In the mice, for example, it gets switched on/off during hair growth, and therefore the so called grey (wild-type) mice have a part of the hair that contains the yellow/brown pigment (Agouti is on), which alternates with black (Agouti off). This gene is found in all mammals. There are two confirmed variants of this same gene in horses (A and a), which are responsible for the difference between bay (black hair only in the mane, tail, and legs), and solid black color. Our lab has also recently discovered a third variant, seal brown (At) and we now offer a test for this gene.

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