Understanding the genetic makeup and lineage of your horse can provide valuable insights into its temperament, potential health predispositions, and unique characteristics. At Texas A&M University’s Animal Genetics laboratory, we offer comprehensive horse ancestry testing, utilizing advanced genotyping techniques to help you connect with your equine’s past. This service is designed for horse owners seeking to learn more about their horse’s breed composition, offering a window into the diverse world of equine genetics.
Understanding Horse Ancestry Testing
Horse ancestry testing is a scientific process that compares your horse’s DNA to a reference panel of known breeds. This comparison helps to identify the breeds that are most likely to be present in your horse’s ancestry. The modern horse was reintroduced to the Americas by Spanish explorers, and since then, various breeds from around the world have contributed to the equine populations we see today. With an estimated over 600 horse breeds globally, pinpointing an individual horse’s lineage can be complex. Our testing is based on comparing the DNA genotype of your horse to an extensive reference panel of 50 common horse breeds, carefully selected to represent major equine groups like draft horses, ponies, Oriental and Arabian breeds, and Iberian breeds. This selection ensures a high probability of identifying ancestral breeds relevant to horses commonly found in North America.
The Testing Process
What You Need to Provide
To begin the ancestry testing process, we require a small sample of your horse’s hair, specifically 30-50 hairs with the roots intact. Alongside the hair sample, you will need to submit a completed submission form, which can be downloaded from our website. Crucially, an online payment of $60 per animal is required, and you will receive a confirmation email with a unique number upon successful payment. It is important to note that we do not offer testing kits; all necessary materials and instructions are provided through the downloadable form and online payment process.
Turnaround Time
Once your sample is received and processed in our laboratory, our standard turnaround time for horse ancestry testing is two weeks. This timeframe allows for thorough analysis and accurate reporting of your horse’s genetic heritage.
Interpreting Your Horse’s Ancestry Report
Our horse ancestry testing employs a sophisticated computer program that utilizes maximum likelihood analysis. This program compares the genetic markers of your horse to those within our reference breeds. We report the top three breeds that show the highest probability of being ancestral to your horse, listed in order of likelihood. It’s important to understand that these results indicate probable ancestral breeds and do not provide a precise percentage of each breed. Due to the genetic similarities among horses, determining exact proportions is not feasible.
Understanding the Nuances
While our test is a valuable tool, it’s essential to understand its limitations. A purebred horse will almost always be correctly identified with its breed. For crossbred horses, the test is highly effective in identifying the parental breeds, especially for two-breed crosses. However, as the number of breeds in a cross increases, the probability of delivering a precise result decreases. Furthermore, breeds within a related group may exhibit similar genetic markers, leading to similar probability scores. For instance, if your horse has Belgian draft and Suffolk ancestry, the results might indicate Percheron or even a pony breed due to the close genetic relationship between these heavy draft breeds and certain pony breeds. Similarly, breeds with Thoroughbred influence may show similarities to Warmblood breeds.
Selected Breeds and Phylogenetic Relationships
Our reference panel for ancestry testing includes 50 of the most common horse breeds in North America, chosen for their prevalence and representation of major equine groups. This selection helps ensure the accuracy and relevance of the ancestry results for most horses. We have also developed a phylogenetic tree that visually represents the genetic relationships among these 50 breeds, allowing for a deeper understanding of their connections. You can download the phylogenetic tree in PDF format to explore these relationships further.
Our Commitment to Quality and Standards
Texas A&M University’s Animal Genetics laboratory is an institutional member of the International Society for Animal Genetics (ISAG). We actively participate in ISAG comparison tests and adhere to standardized nomenclature for reporting DNA types. Our commitment to quality is reflected in our participation certificates, ensuring that our testing methods meet international standards.
Your Reports
Upon completion of the testing, you will receive two distinct reports:
- Horse Genotyping Report: This report provides your horse’s DNA type, also known as a DNA profile or fingerprint. It details the specific markers (microsatellites) used in the testing and the corresponding allele sizes, coded with letters. If parentage verification is requested and the parents’ DNA is available, this report will also indicate parentage qualification or exclusion.
- Horse Ancestry Report: This report outlines the breed assignments based on our comprehensive analysis. As mentioned, percentages are not provided due to the inherent complexities of equine genetics.
For more in-depth information regarding specific breeds or regions, our research and publications page offers a wealth of knowledge. We are dedicated to providing accurate and insightful genetic analysis to enhance your understanding and appreciation of your horse’s unique heritage.
