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The Greyhounds Australasia DNA Assurance Programme (GADAP)
With my early inception as Chief Executive Officer of Greyhounds Australasia (GA) a number of industry participants have highlighted that there is a lack of understanding in the area of DeoxyriboNucleic Acid (DNA), as a result in conjunction with Genetic Technologies (GA’s DNA provider) this article was prepared.
Since the early nineties, many of you will remember Mr Gavin Fitzpatrick who directed the organization previously known as the Australian and New Zealand Greyhound Racing Association (ANZGA), now known as GA toward implementing mandatory DNA testing for the Greyhound Breeding Industry. Mr Fitzpatrick in his wisdom realized the concept of DNA testing would promote industry integrity and at the time was able to highlight a number of inconsistencies with parentage.
Know let’s introduce you to DNA, which is the virtual instruction book for our bodies and is found in all nucleated cells,
which can be found in blood, hair follicles, cheek swabs, or even faeces. DNA encodes our genetic makeup and is passed from one generation to the next; we inherit half our DNA from our mother and half from our father.
From humans to animals to plants, DNA is providing conclusive genetic answers to previously unsolvable questions,
such as paternity, pedigree and inherited diseases.
DNA profiling enables parentage identification and verification (sire and dam) of all greyhound pedigrees.
The DNA extracted from a greyhound’s blood is identical to the DNA extracted from the same \
greyhound’s buccal swab (cheek swab), its hair follicle or its skin.
Once at the laboratory, the blood is treated by chemical and physical methods in order to
break open the cell to reveal a nucleus, which contains a unique genetic profile.
‘All canine genotyping undertaken by Genetic Technologies is performed using
internationally recognised canine markers, viewed as the most reliable
and accurate canine markers in the world. Two panels, consisting of a total of
17 canine markers, may be used to confirm or exclude a possible sire; thereby
providing superior studbook maintenance.’Melanie Clarke, Scientific Officer Greyhound DNA Operations, Genetic Technologies Ltd
DNA profiling is becoming the method of choice because it:
• is more effective and efficient than blood typing;
• allows unique, enduring individual identification; and
• can resolve parentage cases with a probability exclusion of up to 99.99%.
The steps to get your greyhound DNA registered are:
3. The applicant takes the greyhound to their vet along with the DNA kit, application form and the greyhounds’ registration papers.
4. The vet collects the sample and verifies the greyhound, then sends the sample to Genetic Technologies for testing.
6. Greyhounds Australasia receives the results from Genetic Technologies and notifies the applicant by mail. Included for the applicant is a formally printed DNA certificate and a DNA certified label for their greyhounds registration papers.
“The greyhound DNA programme has already proven to be valuable.
Whether you just want to bet on a race, or purchase a greyhound, it guarantees a level of assurance that would not have been possible years ago.”
Cassie McMillan DNA Register
Greyhounds Australasia
DNA has come a long way since its discovery and will continue to
provide information for breeders on disease, health, traits and pedigree.
DNA profiling may even lead to the identification of DNA markers linked to performance traits and genetic disorders in the breed.
“Now, modern technology can offer a science-driven method of improving the
chances of selecting the best combination of genes when selecting the dog and bitch
for breeding in order to maximise the possibilities of higher quality offspring for racing.
This involves a cost-effective, affordable analysis of the gene complexes
of the dog and bitch that are associated with performance ability on the track.
You know before the mating or insemination which stud dog's gene complex will
match up best with the gene complex of the bitch, to provide the best opportunity
for producing a litter with track performance potential - whether that be for sprint
or distance performance. DNA science may also reveal the gene complexes associated
with early speed out of the boxes to the first turn, or that strong finishing ability. “
Dr Jim Gannon AM,; BVSc ; FACVSc ; MRCVS Awards - Member, Order of Australia [AM] ;
Australian Sports Medal Fellow [FAVA], & Life Membership - Australian Veterinary Association
Where to from here? The development of tests to enable breeding for specific racing traits?
An ability to select greyhounds based on sprint or endurance would be an asset to the industry.
We can see DNA can, and will, play a role in providing the breeder with better
tools to select the next group winner! Perhaps the next greyhound champion will be known as Genetically Enhanced!
If you have any queries or require further information in relation to DNA please contact:
SANDOWN GREYHOUND RACING COMPLEX
LIGHTWOOD ROAD SPRINGVALEVIC 3171.
POSTAL ADDRESS:
PO BOX 239, SPRINGVALE, VIC 3171.
PHONE: (03) 9548 3500
FAX: (03) 9548 3488
E-MAIL: cassie@galtd.org.au
Genetic Technologies is the largest, accredited human DNA paternity testing laboratory and the only accredited, commercial forensics laboratory in Australia. The company provides the highest accuracy DNA testing for humans (paternity, relationship, sports performance, forensic analysis, disaster victim identification, cancer susceptibility); animals (paternity/pedigree, inherited traits, inherited disease); and plants (genotyping for variety identification and traits). Genetic Technologies continues to build its animal testing service and is recognised and endorsed by the Australian National Kennel Council (ANKC) as the provider of DNA typing of all breeding stock for pedigree dogs in Australia
George Sofronidis Craig Taberner
Manager of Animal Diagnostics Chief Executive Officer Genetic Science Services Greyhounds Australasia
Background
In theory an individual inherits half their DNA from their mother and half from their father.
When assessing parentage the pup’s DNA profile (genotype) is compared with that of the Dam. Any alleles (fragments of DNA) present in the pup that are not in the mother are concluded to have come from the Sire.
Ten canine specific microsatellite markers allows for an individual DNA profile unique to that individual. Each marker generates two alleles (bands) of a particular size (base pairs). When the alleles are the same size we call this individual homozygous ie. it has inherited two identical sized bands from each parent. Where the two bands appear as different sizes we call this heterozygous that is it has inherited one specific sized allele from each parent.
Example of paternity analysis
Parentage is verified by comparing the profile of the dam, pup(s) and sire at all 10 markers. In some cases letters are used as a representation of the real size data. All Greyhound Association results are shown as real data (base pair numbers) as shown below.
A PUP has the alleles 121 125 for canine marker FHC2054
223 223 for canine marker PEZ08
The DAM has the alleles 121 121 for canine marker FHC2054
223 227 for canine marker PEZ08
Therefore, by comparing the DNA profile of the PUP with the DAM we can conclude that the PUP has inherited allele 121 for marker FHC2054 and 223 for marker PEZ08 from the DAM. Allele 125 for FHC2054 and 223 for PEZ08 must be passed on paternally ie. from the SIRE.
SIRE 1 has the alleles 121 125 for canine marker FHC2054
223 223 for canine marker PEZ08
INCLUSION there is a common allele between the pup and alleged sire indicates possible paternity.
SIRE 2 has the alleles 121 121 for canine marker FHC2054
227 231 for canine marker PEZ08
EXCLUSION there is no common allele between pup and the alleged sire.
