The Equine Genetic Toolbox

Genetic testing reveals differences in an individual’s DNA that result in traits from coat color to muscle function.
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Kathryn Graves, PhD, associate professor and director of the Animal Genetic Testing and Research Laboratory at the University of Kentucky, spoke about genetic testing at the 6th Annual Kentucky Breeders’ Short Course in Lexington, Kentucky. Genetic testing encompasses any test that detects differences at an individual’s DNA level. This includes parentage, heritable disease, and trait testing.

DNA is made up of four nucleotides, or basic structural units, labeled A, C, G, and T. Microsatellites are DNA segments made of short, repetitive nucleotide sequences (e.g., CACACACA). Researchers can use microsatellites to study parentage, because each one has a number of possible variants (alleles) based on the number of repeats. The Animal Genetic Testing and Research Laboratory uses 17 microsatellites to generate DNA profiles for individual horses as well as to confirm parentage.

Scientists can also use microsatellites to find mutations by comparing the alleles of microsatellites present in affected versus normal horses for a disease mutation or color variation. The closer a marker is to the gene, the greater the linkage (association). The researcher can then use the gene map to look for genes near markers and to sequence the gene.

Another type of marker are single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs)–a single base change in the DNA sequence that can have profound effects on phenotype (all of an organism’s observable characteristics). Many SNPs are responsible for coat color variants but can also be associated with other traits such as fertility, body type, muscle function, dwarfism, and more

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