We have the know-how and the technology to decode this information – whether for horses with their largely open studbooks or dogs, where pronounced inbreeding, often unknown origins and short generation intervals are the norm. We have the right approach.
Every animal carries the traces of its origins in its genome.
In a breed analysis we make these traces visible – traces that cannot be read from outward appearance alone: which breeds and breed groups are present in the analysed animal, and how this composition can be interpreted.
Whether a particular breed name actually defines a genetically distinct population depends on the species and the breeding history of the breed:
When studbooks are kept closed over generations, breeds develop a distinct composition that is characteristic of the breed. They can then be clearly separated from one another and determined proportionally in a mixed-breed or hybrid animal – typical of many dog breeds, but there are only a few distinct breeds in horses.
Where deliberate crossbreeding is the norm, characteristic mosaics of the genomes of neighbouring breeds arise, which are then recognisable as distinct breed groups. Breed groups are typical of horses with their open or semi-open studbooks.
The deliberate mating to produce hybrids aims to combine the traits of both breeds and/or to achieve a heterosis effect. Hybrid breeding is increasingly popular in dogs and has long been common in livestock. True hybrids are always only the direct offspring (F1 generation).
Mixed breeds arise from uncontrolled matings over several generations (dogs) or as the result of an individual breeding strategy. Since many hereditary diseases are breed-specific, the breed analysis provides an initial indication of what to watch out for.
A breed analysis cannot be achieved with just a few markers that may be characteristic of individual breeds. Sound results rely on high-resolution SNP arrays – also called SNP chips. They allow tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of positions in the genome to be read out in parallel; only this resolution delivers the pattern realised in the genome of the analysed animal, with which breeds can be reliably separated from one another and even small proportions in mixed breeds can be detected.
Schematic representation of an SNP chip: outwardly similar to a microscope slide, a chip can carry hundreds of thousands of markers – each dot represents a measurable signal that is characteristic of the respective breed.
The bioinformatic evaluation produces two findings:
Hybrids, especially crosses with poodles and other non-shedding dog breeds, are becoming ever more popular. However, only the F1 offspring of the first mating are true „-doodles". Here the breed analysis effectively shows whether an animal is a genuine F1 hybrid.
Listed in descending order of genetic similarity – the most similar breed first. Alongside the parent breeds, breeds very closely related to the parent breeds are also listed.
For animals from open studbooks and for true mixed breeds, the genome is made up of many contributions. The breed analysis makes this mosaic visible – here using the example of a horse listed under the breed draft horse.
Listed in descending order of genetic similarity – the most similar breed first. Currently, 93 horse breeds can be analysed and assigned.
For horses from open studbooks, the breed listed first is often not the one of the studbook to which the horse was assigned.
The most important questions about DNA identity profiles, their limits and their use in parentage assessments – answered briefly and clearly.
The simplest way is to have a DNA identity profile created early for every breeding animal – ideally before its first use for breeding – and to keep it permanently. Because the profile stays unchanged for life, it becomes a fixed reference. Then, for every litter, have the parentage of the offspring verified against the stored parent profiles. This builds a seamless, DNA-secured chain generation after generation.
Two things safeguard continuity: consistently use the same marker format (e.g. SNP or STR) so that all profiles remain comparable, and have the profiles archived in one place. Generatio retains the profiles it creates, so they can be drawn on again at any time for later litters, sales or subsequent breeding – even years later.
No. The markers of an identity profile are deliberately selected to have a high minor allele frequency and to distinguish individuals as well as possible. They are therefore intentionally "made variable" and are not representative of the whole genome. Inferring genome-wide genetic diversity (such as the degree of inbreeding or the diversity of a population) from these few, specially chosen positions is therefore not valid – that requires other, genome-wide analyses.
No. For a parentage assessment, the profiles of everyone involved must be in the same format. STR markers (repeat lengths) and SNP markers (single-base variants) measure different things at different positions and cannot be compared directly against each other. If only an STR profile is available for one parent and an SNP profile for the offspring, the missing profile must be re-determined in the matching format (or – where established and permitted – converted by imputation).
No. The markers used usually lie in neutral, non-coding regions of the genome and were selected solely for their discriminatory power, not for any link to traits. An identity profile answers the question "Which animal is this?" – it is not a genetic test for diseases, colours or breeding values. Such questions require their own specific analyses.
Not necessarily. A single inconsistency can be due to a rare mutation or a technical effect. In practice, a parentage is only considered excluded when several markers contradict it independently. A single "mismatch" is assessed, documented and – where sensible – checked by re-testing before any conclusion is drawn.
No. The DNA profile is innate and remains unchanged for life – regardless of the type of sample (e.g. hair, blood or mucosa) and the age of the animal. It therefore never needs renewing and serves as a permanent, tamper-proof reference, for example for re-identification or as the basis for later parentage assessments.
These answers are for general information. For assessing an individual case, the rules currently in force at the performing body and the responsible breeding association are decisive.