Overview
The Veterinary Genetics Laboratory (VGL), in collaboration with Dr. Niels C. Pedersen and staff, has developed a panel of short tandem repeat (STR) markers that will measure genetic heterogeneity and diversity across the genome and in the Dog Leukocyte Antigen (DLA) class I and II regions for specified dog populations. This test panel will be useful to dog breeders who wish to use DNA-based testing as a supplement to in-depth pedigrees. DNA based information on genetic heterogeneity and diversity, along with DNA testing results for desired phenotypes and health traits, can aid in informing breeding decisions.
A DNA-based genetic assessment of the Irish Red and White Setter breed is now in the preliminary results phase with the objective of creating a snap-shot of individual- and breed-wide genetic heterogeneity and diversity. This initial testing involved 41 dogs from the USA (n=31), Canada (n=1), Great Britain (n=1), The Netherlands (n= 6), Austria (n=1), and Belgium (n=1). This data base will be progressively expanded as more dogs are added with the goal of characterizing all the known alleles for the breed at 33 STR loci across the genome as well as all existing DLA class I and II haplotypes identified by seven STRs. We are accepting additional dogs from all parts of the world with a goal of 100 individuals tested to complete this preliminary phase.
Price
$50 one test per animal
This is the cost for the dogs that will be tested in the research phase. Once the research phase is complete, the test will be offered at the regular rate of $80.
Results reported as:
Short tandem repeat (STR) loci: A total of 33 STR loci from across the genome were used to gauge genetic heterogeneity and existing genetic diversity within an individual and across the breed. The alleles inherited from each parent are displayed graphically to highlight heterozygosity and genetic diversity in individuals and breed-wide.
DLA haplotypes: Seven STR loci linked to the DLA class I and II genes were used to identify genetic differences in a region that regulates immune responses and self/non-self-recognition. Problems with self/non-self-recognition, along with non-genetic factors in the environment, are responsible for autoimmune disease, allergies, and susceptibility to infectious agents.
Internal Relatedness: The IR value is a measure of the genetic relatedness of an individual's parents. The value takes into consideration both heterozygosity of alleles at each STR loci and their relative frequency in the population. Therefore, IR values heterozygosity over homozygosity and uncommon alleles over common alleles. IR values are unique to each dog and two individuals from different sources may have identical IR values but a very different genetic makeup.
Report
Report issued March 12, 2019. Daily updated statistics are here.