Canine Parentage Testing
DNA technology can be used to determine parentage. Individuals have two copies of every piece of DNA, one inherited from the mother and the other from the father. If we can distinguish these two DNA strands in the laboratory we can test whether a particular father (or occasionally mother) is a true parent. DNA markers, spaced at intervals along the chromosomes, enable us to sample the DNA of an individual dog. The profile of these DNA markers in an offspring must correspond to those in the parents. Any anomalies exclude that particular animal as a parent of that individual. In a typical paternity case, there will be two or more possible fathers, but only the DNA profile of the true father will correspond fully to the DNA profile of the offspring. Samples to be submitted as cheek swabs (cheek swabs available from the Animal Health Trust free of charge).
This test requires Mouth Swabs. Samples for testing should be sent, together with a completed DNA Testing form and payment of £24 inc VAT for each swab kit, to Genetic Services, Animal Health Trust, Lanwades Park, Kentford, Newmarket, Suffolk CB8 7UU.
Enquiries should be made to Symone Ingram telephone +44 (0) 1638 555621 or fax +44 (0) 1638 555666 or via e-mail to dnatesting@aht.org.uk.