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Chow Chow Colour Genetics  
Unsurpassed accuracy in DNA Testing using new technology allows breeders
to successfully confirm parentage of dogs. From the DNA Laboratory, ARC Animal Improvement Institute.
  
DNA Testing:  Unsurpassed Accuracy

The study of genetics has provided scientists with the means of accurately verifying the parentage of various species
 including cattle, sheep, horses, goats, and dogs. Canine genetics has advanced to the stage where the unique 
information contained in the DNA of individuals can be used to confirm the parentage of the dog.
 
How is this done?

The characteristics of the dog are contained in the genes, 
which themselves are arranged in a specific form on chromosomes. 
There are 78 chromosomes in every cell of dogs. Specific genes 
are placed at specific sites on the chromosome, and certain genetic pairs 
(called alleles) are used for testing purposes. A complex scientific 
procedure uses the genetic information contained in the DNA of 
the individual, and matches it to that of the sire and dam. 
Each genetic pair tested contains one allele from each parent.
 Details of the DNA chain    

DNA is individual-specific and analysis of a selection of genetic pairs can accurately identify dogs and/ or verify parentage.

The American Kennel Club has introduced DNA testing on a voluntary basis and issue "Certificates of DNA Analysis" to breeders who participate in the programme.
Available in South Africa DNA testing is available in this country through the Animal Genetics Division of the
Agricultural Research Council (ARC) in Irene. It has already been used very successfully to combat stock theft, utilising the
LidCat™ system (Livestock Identification Catalogue). This provides a storage system for hair samples drawn from animals in
controlled circumstances, and should the time arise that tests are required, DNA is extracted from the sample.
Duplicate samples are taken from each animal and sealed in two plastic bags.
Included in each bag is an encoded card with two stickers.
Approximately 40 hairs with hair roots must be pulled out of the animal,
divided in two and stuck to the reverse side of the card using one of
the stickers so that the hair roots protrude over the other side of the card.
Care must be taken to avoid mixing the hair of one animal with another.
The bar-code sticker provided in one of the plastic bags must be
attached to the owner's records.		 Colour genes in the hair samples of chows      
Costs are kept to a minimum and include storage and recording of relevant details of the sample (owner's details,
registration number and name of dog, etc). The owner will receive an inventory of the samples in the LidCat™ system on an
annual basis. LidCat™ has been extensively used when prosecuting in cases of stock theft and it proves ownership. It is
far more effective than tattooing and branding used to identify cattle. It can also be used very effectively by dog breeders
who can store samples of each dog they own for later verification of parentage, if required. It could also be used to verify
parentage where a litter is bred by artificial insemination, especially where the semen used has been in storage for
some years, and/ or the sire is already dead.
More information about this service can be obtained from:
DNA Laboratory
ARC Animal Improvement Institute
Private bag X2, Irene 0062
South Africa
Tel: (+27)-12-672-9111
Fax:(+27)-12-672-9214From CANINE CHRONICLE magazine - HEALTH ISSUES.		        
See microscopic research of colour genes in the hair of Chow Chows by Melite Kaajan.
                      
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