Dog DNA Test Solves Parentage Problems

Dog DNA Test Solves Parentage Problems AG WORLD 30-6-23 WestCore Genetics in Spearfish, S. Dak., provides dog owners with a confidential DNA testing service to determine puppy parentage. Because WestCore is associated with Black Hills State University, it's a non-profit organization that provides the service "at cost." There seems to be good demand for the testing, according to Associate Director Cynthia Anderson. "We're pleasantly surprised - we've had quite a steady flow of requests, and have only advertised twice in a couple of small breeding magazines. The demand has come from breeders wanting to be sure of puppy parentage for the registration paperwork." Anderson says the breeders often think they know who they believe the stud dog is, but there can be times when more than one potential father exists. "In most cases, the breeder knows exactly which dogs their female has been exposed to, so the determination of paternity is very straightforward. However, if they don't know who the potential studs are, we can tell the breeder which dogs are definitely not the father," Anderson explains. It's also possible for one litter of pups to have two different fathers, and genetic testing is the only way to determine which pup has which father. Clients wishing to paternity test their dogs simply contact WestCore and request a sampling packet. After consultation, one of two types of sampling kits is then sent to the customer. Samples must be taken from the puppies, mother and both potential fathers. The sampling packet contains a small dental brush, which is used to scrape cheek cells from the inside of the dog's mouth. It's important that this be done prior to feeding the dog, or two hours after feeding. This ensures that the sample doesn't contain dog food remnants, which can interfere with the sample extraction. Once your dog's genotype is in the lab's database, there's no need to have it tested again if that dog becomes the mother or a sire, and you're in need of paternity testing of her/his puppies. Current pricing is $25 per dog with every fifth dog in the same submission tested free of charge. In the event a dog can't be genotyped, the money paid for that sample's test will be refunded. Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, WestCore (Western South Dakota DNA Core Facility), Canine Paternity Testing, Jonas Hall, Room 110, Black Hills State University, 1200 University St., Unit 9053, Spearfish, S. Dak. 57799 (ph 605 642-6854; fax 605 642-6762; cynthiaanderson @bhsu.edu).

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