Practical Horse Genetics

25/05/2022

Hey guys, we're currently not doing much on our social media but it's still business as usual at the lab. Please visit our website to see what tests and services we offer.
https://practicalhorsegenetics.com.au/

Please note we are not respoding to messages on messenger.

If you have any questions or are chasing up tests or samples you can email Dr. Kao on [email protected]
Please be aware that it might take some time for Dr. Kao to respond as she works through the current tests and emails in order.

Check out our blog site for lots of interesting information on equine genetics https://horse.practicalhorsegenetics.com.au

15/03/2022

Miniature health & colour
This panel includes all of the colour and disorder genes that we have seen in Australian Miniature horses and ponies.

The coat colour genes in this panel are agouti, red/black, cream, silver, champagne, dun and d1, grey, frame overo, Lp, PATN1, roan, sabino 1, SW1, tobiano, W13 and W20.

The disorder genes in this panel are D1, D2, D3, and D4 and skeletal atavisim (SA). The health effects of grey, Lp, SW1 and frame overo are also addressed.

There is a one time sample processing fee of $40 per horse and the Miniature health & colour panel is $250. Click here to order the Miniature health & colour panel for your horse or pony https://practicalhorsegenetics.com.au/index.php?test=mep

13/03/2022

Shaking off the weekend like ... 😂 Video by Jessica M Kelly

11/03/2022

Just a reminder heading into the weekend, help your horse by rugging, using mozzie spray and stabling between dusk and dawn.

From the EVA: The floods are creating stagnet breeding grounds for mosquitoes. With the emergence of Ross River, West Nile & now the outbreak of Japanese Encephalitis - avoiding mosquito bites is the best defence. For your horse that means rugs, masks, insecticides & restricted grazing when mosquitoes are most active🐴.

The floods are creating stagnet breeding grounds for mosquitoes. With the emergence of Ross River, West Nile & now the outbreak of Japanese Encephalitis - avoiding mosquito bites is the best defence. For your horse that means rugs, masks, insecticides & restricted grazing when mosquitoes are most active🐴.

09/03/2022

Panels are groups of tests that are often chosen together.

This panel includes tests for all of the health and colour genes known to occur in Gypsy horses. The health tests include PSSM1 and FIS. The colour tests are red/black, agouti, cream, pearl, silver, dun and d1, W20, sabino 1, tobiano, roan, grey, Lp and PATN1.

There is a one time sample processing fee of $40 per horse and the Gypsy health & colour panel is $120. Click here to order the Gypsy health & colour panel for your horse or pony https://practicalhorsegenetics.com.au/index.php?test=gyp

07/03/2022

Shout out today to Dr. Kao and all the fabulous women around Australia and the world, doing what they do, kicking goals, building homes, building communities, creating futures and making the world a better place. We are second to none. Happy International Women's Day.

16/02/2022

Panels are groups of tests that are often chosen together.

Friesian horses are a beautiful breed. They are almost universally black, but the red gene can still be found in the population at low frequency. This means that on rare occasions chestnut foals can be born.

Breeders of both pure- and part-bred Friesians also need to make sure they know which of their horses carry the genes for hydrocephalus and Friesian dwarfism.

The Friesian panel consists of just three tests: red/black, hydrocephalus, and Friesian dwarfism.

There is a one time sample processing fee of $40 per horse and the Friesian health & colour panel is $40. Click here to order the Friesian health & colour panel for your horse or pony https://practicalhorsegenetics.com.au/index.php?test=frs

13/02/2022

10/02/2022

Panels are groups of tests that are often chosen together.

This panel includes all of the health and colour genes known to occur in the Arabian breed.

The health tests include CA, LFS, SCID, FFS and OAAM. The appearance tests include red/black, agouti, grey, dun and d1, and W20.

There is a one time sample processing fee of $40 per horse and the Arabian health & colour panel is $115. Click here to order the Arabian health & colour panel for your horse or pony https://practicalhorsegenetics.com.au/index.php?test=arl

07/02/2022

Panels are groups of tests that are often chosen together.

This panel currently consists of the seven tests currently offered for Quarter Horses. They are also relevant for Paint horses, Appaloosas, Quarter Ponies and other breeds that have incorporated QH lines. These are frame overo, PSSM1, HERDA, GBED, MH, HYPP, with the recent addition of IMM.

There is a one time sample processing fee of $40 per horse and the Quarterhorse panel is $90. Click here to order the Quarterhorse panel for your horse or pony https://practicalhorsegenetics.com.au/index.php?test=qh5

31/01/2022

A DNA profile

There are a number of reasons to get a DNA profile for your horse. The most common one is to confirm your horse's parentage.

Parentage verification is done using DNA profiles from the parent(s) and the offspring. DNA profiles from other laboratories can be used for parentage verification, but you will need to provide a full copy of the report rather than a DNA number.

Siblings can't be used for parentage verification.

A second reason to get a DNA profile is to have a way to prove your horse's identity in cases of loss or theft. Microchips are also used for this purpose.

DNA profiles are also useful if you are investigating infertility and suspect s*x reversal or Turners syndrome (seen in mares that have a single X chromosome). A DNA profile includes markers on the s*x chromosomes. Our report will flag results that are inconsistent with the nominated s*x. A report showing two separate alleles for the LEX3 marker will rule out Turners syndrome.



There is a one time sample processing fee of $40 per horse and the DNA profile test is $33. Click here to order the DNA profile test for your horse or pony https://practicalhorsegenetics.com.au/index.php?test=mic

22/01/2022

If you want to know how to order tests from us check out our How To page on our website. There are simple step by step instructions on both ordering tests and taking samples Head over to our website to see more https://practicalhorsegenetics.com.au/index.php?about=process

14/01/2022

Did you know that we have an extensive resource site full of articles about colour and genetic conditions in horses? If you have ever wondered what breeds carry Fragile Foal Syndrome; or what breed your horse might be; or how colour genetics work, then this is the site for you. You can check it out here https://horse.practicalhorsegenetics.com.au/wpr/

09/01/2022

We're open for business!

Hope everyone is having a great 2022 so far. 😊 We are back in the lab today and working through all the samples sent over Christmas and New Year. If you are wanting to test your horse or pony, head over to our website and browse through the tests. You can find them under the menus Good Moves (gait markers), Good looks (colour tests) and Good Health (genetic tests for health conditions).

Don't worry if you are not sure what to choose, once you select any test, all the tests appear on one page so you can easily browse through the list 😁

We look forward to helping you discover more about your horse or pony. 🐴🦄🐎

https://practicalhorsegenetics.com.au/

04/01/2022

Happy New Year everyone! 😊 Just a reminder that the lab reopens next Monday, 10th January. We're looking forward to a whole new year of testing and discoveries!
www.practicalhorsegenetics.com.au

16/12/2021

Wow! I can't believe it's almost Christmas again! We would like to thank everyone here for their continued support and take this opportunity to wish everyone a Happy Christmas. Hope you are all able to get together with family and friends and have a wonderful Chrissy! 🎄

The PHG lab will be closed from Monday 20th December '21 and will reopen on Monday 10th January '22. Need to send samples in? No stress. We will still be collecting the post and safely storing the samples until we reopen the office in the new year.

Warmest wishes from Dr. Kao and the Practical Horse Genetics team.

11/12/2021

From time to time we are asked if we can test for breed to help an owner determine the breed of their horse. Unfortunately, because most horse breeds are genetically diverse, each breed as a whole will overlap with others so it is not really possible to test for breeds. Read more on our blog https://horse.practicalhorsegenetics.com.au/wpr/what-breed-is-my-horse/

06/12/2021

Heads Up: Testing before Christmas? Dr. Kao wanted me to let everyone know that if you want to get test results back before Christmas you need to get samples and orders to us by the end of this week (10 December). Anything received after that may take several weeks longer to get results back as the lab will be shutting over the Xmas / New Year period. Photo: Ellaray by Rebecca Mckelvie

01/12/2021

Severe combined immune deficiency (SCID) can appear in pure- and part-bred Arabians. Horses affected by SCID lack a functional immune system and are unable to fight infections. In their first few months foals are protected by antibodies in the mare's colostrum but as this protection declines their lack of immune system becomes apparent. The most common signs are respiratory illness, intermittent fever and/or diarrhoea. There is currently no effective treatment for SCID.

SCID is an autosomal recessive disorder. Autosomal disorders are equally likely to affect male or female horses, while "recessive" means that a horse needs to inherit the SCID mutation from both its sire and its dam to be affected.



There is a one time sample processing fee of $40 per horse and the Severe combined immune deficiency (SCID) test is $14. Click here to order the Severe combined immune deficiency (SCID) test for your horse or pony https://practicalhorsegenetics.com.au/index.php?test=cid

28/11/2021

wow!

The stripes and patterns of a zebra are unique to each individual. I find this tail pattern unusual and beautiful with a middle line with rows of spots on each side. The zebra stripes confuse and deter biting insects as well as prey.

26/11/2021

Occipitoatlantoaxial malformation (OAAM) can appear in pure- and partbred Arabian horses. It is a bone problem affecting the two vertebrae closest to the skull. Affected horses might carry their head in an unusual position and be reluctant to move it or twist their neck. It can also affect the coordination of the horse, with signs ranging from mild weakness to the inability to stand.

It is assumed that this form of OAAM is an autosomal recessive disorder. Autosomal disorders are equally likely to affect male or female horses, while "recessive" means that a horse needs to inherit the OAAM mutation from both its sire and its dam to be affected. This test is for one form of OAAM (OAAM1), but other forms are also known to exist.


There is a one time sample processing fee of $40 per horse and the Occipitoatlantoaxial malformation (OAAM) test is $14. Click here to order the Occipitoatlantoaxial malformation (OAAM) test for your horse or pony https://practicalhorsegenetics.com.au/index.php?test=oaa

19/11/2021

Lavender foal syndrome (LFS) can appear in pure- and part-bred Arabians. Horses affected by LFS often have a difficult birth, and cannot stand or even successfully roll onto their belly. They have episodes of rigidity where muscle spasms extend their neck, back and legs. Foals with LFS often have an unusual pale coat (hence the name of this disorder). There is currently no treatment for LFS.

LFS is an autosomal recessive disorder. Autosomal disorders are equally likely to affect male or female horses, while "recessive" means that a horse needs to inherit the LFS mutation from both its sire and its dam to be affected.

There is a one time sample processing fee of $40 per horse and the Lavender foal syndrome (LFS) test is $14. Click here to order the Lavender foal syndrome (LFS) test for your horse or pony https://practicalhorsegenetics.com.au/index.php?test=lfs



Photo: By PLoS, Photo courtesy of Dr. Yael Giora. - PLOS Genetics, CC BY 2.5, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=18036653

11/11/2021

Horse owners choose to do DNA testing on their horses for a few different reasons.

Breeders test for coat colour and health genes to increase their ability to produce healthy, desirable foals. They can also choose to do DNA profiles for parentage verification to confirm their horses’ pedigrees, adding to their value. Occasionally they might even need to confirm which stallion is the sire of a particular foal.

Horse owners who don’t intend to breed also use DNA testing, but for different reasons. The most common motivations are curiousity about their horse’s colour, or checking for disorders such as PSSM1 which can cause performance and health issues.



Read more about DNA testing on our blog https://horse.practicalhorsegenetics.com.au/wpr/dna-testing-your-horse/

07/11/2021

Naked foal syndrome (NFS) is a fatal inherited disorder that has been found in pure and part-bred Akhal Teke horses. Foals with NFS are born without hair, and may have other physical abnormalities too. All NFS-affected horses recorded so far have died before three years of age. The cause of death is not known.

NFS is an autosomal recessive disorder. Autosomal disorders are equally likely to affect male or female horses, while "recessive" means that a horse needs to inherit the NFS mutation from both its sire and its dam to be affected.

There is a one time sample processing fee of $40 per horse and the Naked foal syndrome (NFS) test is $14. Click here to order the Naked foal syndrome (NFS) test for your horse or pony https://practicalhorsegenetics.com.au/index.php?test=nfs

05/11/2021

One of the frequently asked questions here is “Do I need to put in a new order to get more tests done?” The answer is no, you don’t. Just email us with your request, and we’ll check we have enough DNA left to do the tests you want. If we need more sample we will let you know.

We only charge for the extra tests you’re after, with no new sample processing fee.

We keep samples on file for as long as we can, and also store purified DNA. This means that we can often carry out extra tests the day after you request them.

Head over to our website to see what tests we have available https://practicalhorsegenetics.com.au/

30/10/2021

Polysaccharide storage myopathy 1 (PSSM1)
PSSM1 is relevant to all breeds with Quarter Horse bloodlines, as well as Gypsy Cobs, heavy horses and Haflingers.

PSSM is a muscle disease that can cause "tying up" symptoms: muscle weakness, shivers, work intolerance, and even muscle wasting.

Unlike most other inherited disorders that we test for, PSSM1 is not recessive. This means that horses which inherit the PSSM1 mutation from just one parent can show signs of this disorder. To complicate matters, not all horses with the PSSM1 mutation show signs of this disease - its effects range all the way from undetectable to fatal.



There is a one time sample processing fee of $40 per horse and the Polysaccharide storage myopathy 1 (PSSM1) test is $14. Click here to order the Polysaccharide storage myopathy 1 (PSSM1) test for your horse or pony https://practicalhorsegenetics.com.au/index.php?test=ps1

24/10/2021

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the most common form of eye cancer in horses. SCC can be painful or irritating and has the potential to cause loss of vision, and eventually loss of the eye. SCC affects a number of breeds but is most common in Haflingers.

Horses that test as being high risk for SCC have a four to six times higher likelihood of getting SCC than horses that test negative or horses that test as carriers. If your horse tests as being high risk for SCC you may be able to help by ensuring your horse has regular eye checks and by fitting them with a UV-reducing fly mask during the day.

SCC risk is an autosomal recessive disorder. Autosomal disorders are equally likely to affect male or female horses, while "recessive" means that a horse needs to inherit the SCC risk factor from both its sire and its dam to be high risk.



There is a one time sample processing fee of $40 per horse and the Ocular squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) test is $14. Click here to order the Ocular squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) test for your horse or pony https://practicalhorsegenetics.com.au/index.php?test=scc

20/10/2021

Scientists found modern domestic horses’ homeland in southwestern Russia
Two genes tied to endurance and docility may help explain the equines’ success

https://www.sciencenews.org/article/dna-genes-modern-domestic-horses-origin-russia

Two genes tied to endurance and docility may help explain the horses’ success in spreading across Eurasia.

18/10/2021

Has anyone had some colour testing done recently and would like to share their horse and results on our colour gallery? I've just uploaded this Lp youngster - her coat colour has changed quite a bit from her foal photos added a couple of years ago :)

If you would like to share your horse, please message with photos and the following details:
- photographer / owner name
- horse name
- colour test results

The Coat Colour Gallery is a PHG project showcasing the diverse range of coat colours and their effects as they interact with each other

https://breeding.horse/colours/picture.php?/394/category/24

Sire: Hermit's Cabaret Dam: ITS Sensey negative for d1 negative for cr - tilly.jpg

15/10/2021

Fragile foal syndrome (FFS) is a genetic disorder found in Warmblood horses, Thoroughbreds and breeds that have included these bloodlines. FFS usually causes foetal loss. Foals that survive until birth are born with extremely fragile skin and lax limb joints. Their skin can be easily torn or damaged by normal contact with their surroundings. Foals with FFS are usually euthenized due to their inability to stand and the continual risk of severe infection from their skin injuries.

FFS is an autosomal recessive disorder. Autosomal disorders are equally likely to affect male or female horses, while "recessive" means that a horse needs to inherit the FFS mutation from both its sire and its dam to be affected.

The carrier rate for Warmbloods in Australia is slightly over 10%. Thoroughbred carriers have also been found.



There is a one time sample processing fee of $40 per horse and the Fragile foal syndrome (FFS) test is $14. Click here to order the Fragile foal syndrome (FFS) test for your horse or pony https://practicalhorsegenetics.com.au/index.php?test=wff

You can also read more on our blog about Fragile Foal Syndrome https://horse.practicalhorsegenetics.com.au/wpr/wffs-found-in-21-breeds/