<<THIS PAGE IS STILL UNDER CONSTRUCTION>>>
DNA Testing for DEXTERS
DNA Testing can easily be done with a tail hair sample, blood, semen or tissue sample.
The hair must have the roots intact as the root is the container for the specimen.
I highly recommend that you pull hair samples from every Dexter you own. Keep a library of samples including each of your animals. You can label and store the sample, in a paper envelope or a sticky tape test card until you need/want to test for whatever reason.
This is a link to the format to print on an envelope for your samples: (contact me for the envelope)
Following the test briefs I've posted a link to copies of test results from Texas A&M
GENOTYPING
The "fingerprint" to identify your individual animal.
Once on file this result can be used with other samples to identify parentage, or identify an animal with lost tag, illegible tattoo etc.
PARENTAGE VERIFICATION
Parentage Verification requires 3 samples and gives the genotype of each individual included in the 3 tests.
Testing is performed on the Sire, the Dam and their calf/offspring. Parentage can be verified when all three samples are available.
We've genotyped all our sires and have samples of our females stored (see note at end of this page about storing samples) so we can verify parentage at any time for the members of our herd.
Link to a Parentage Verification Certificate:
COLOR COAT TESTING
Red
ADCA requires red animals be tested to register as red.
Red is the only color that breeds true so if you have 2 proven parents you don't need to test the offspring. (exception: if your color tested bull doesn't carry the Dun gene your calf would have to be black or red. The bull can't produce a Dun colored calf if he doesn't carry the Dun gene)
Link to Red test result:
Dun
Some shades of Dun are deceiving and owners will test to be sure they've identified the color correctly.
Many owners of Herd Sires will test their bull for the Dun color,
if the bull doesn't carry a Dun gene they won't have to test the colored calves he produces regardless of the color of the cows he breeds, all of the calves would be either Red or Black if the Dun gene is missing from the results.
Paste link
Both Red & Dun-same sample-
A discount in pricing is offered if you test for both colors from your sample.
Link To Red/no Dun test result:
Testing Blacks
The testing of your Black Dexters will tell you if you have a recessive Red or Dun gene present.
If you have Black cows and want to know if they carry Red or Dun coloring the test will identify Red or Dun.
CHONDRODYSPLASIA
The ADCA and Texas A&M hold the contract for testing for Chondrodysplasia in the U.S.
This test gives Dexter breeders the ability to choose the result of their breeding choices in regard to Chondrodysplasia.
Link to Chondro HN Test results:
Sample Storage for future testing
Our goal is to eventually have every Dexter in our Herd Parentage Verified (PV) we just can't afford to do them all at once.
We've typed out the Texas A&M individual envelopes (format provided) for each animal we own and pull hair, according to the Labs instructions. We keep thesample envelopes in a card file.
When we want to send in a test sample we don't have to wait until we "round up" the herd to pull hair.
If an animal is sold we'll retain the right to test our sample as needed.
