Quick Summary
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Pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) is a procedure used to screen embryos recovered after uterine flush to determine sex and genetic traits through DNA testing prior to implantation in the uterus. DNA testing of horse embryos prior to implantation allows selection of those embryos that have desired sex, coat color variants, or that are free of known genetic diseases, thus maximizing the outcome of embryo transfer process.
The Veterinary Genetics Laboratory offers DNA tests on horse embryo biopsies for sex, genetic disease (GBED, HERDA, HYPP, Lethal White Overo, Malignant Hypothermia, PSSM1 for Quarter Horses and related breeds, or CA, LFS for Arabians) and coat color (Red Factor, Agouti, Champagne, Dun, Pearl, Silver, Lethal White Overo, Gray, Sabino-1, Tobiano, Dominant White W10, Splashed White).
Biopsies are performed on Day-6 or Day-7 blastocysts from which 5-10 trophoblast cells are harvested by suction. Cells are placed at the bottom of a 0.2 ml, thin walled tube in 1-2 microliters of PBS, 2% PVP buffer, or other cell culture medium and frozen. The volume of medium is critical. Liquid in excess of 2 microliters negatively affects the process of whole genome amplification and may result in test failure. Tubes are shipped overnight on ice or dry ice via DHL, FedEx, or UPS. Embryo biopsies are received Monday-Wednesday, with results available within 3-4 days.
NOTE: Current testing methodologies are estimated to have an accuracy of approximately 95% when an optimal biopsy sample is obtained. The accuracy was determined by Choi et al. 2016.
This testing relies on extremely small embryo biopsy samples, making proper collection essential for the best chance of generating results. DNA is extracted from the small biopsies and the small amount of DNA obtained must undergo a whole genome amplification (WGA) process to generate enough DNA for genetic analysis.
WGA chemistry can result in allelic dropout, where one allele fails to amplify while the other is preferentially amplified. If allelic drop out occurs in an animal that is heterozygous, this will produce a false appearance of homozygosity. Unfortunately, there is currently no method to predict when allelic dropout or null alleles may occur during the amplification process. Therefore, it is important that those ordering this test are aware of the current methodology limitations and that we recommend testing any resulting foals to confirm genotypes.
To place an order for embryo preimplantation genetic testing, please contact our customer service team.
Request Access to Embryo PGD Order Form
$120 per embryo for initial processing (includes sex test)