Genetic Laboratory

Genetic Laboratory for DNA Analysis of Animals

The main activity of the genetics laboratory is DNA analysis of animals.
The aim of the laboratory’s work is to provide all customers with objective and independent sample testing and information protection, with one of the primary goals being to ensure testing accuracy in accordance with international standards, using appropriate and modern testing methods.
Our many years of experience are a guarantee of your satisfaction. We have been here for you since 1993.

The laboratory is accredited by the Slovak National Accreditation Service – SNAS (2005), for parentage testing of farm animals.

Tests are carried out in accordance with the requirements of the standard STN EN ISO/IEC 17025:2017

To enhance our expertise, since 1995 we have been a member of ISAG (International Society of Animal Genetics), where as an active member we participate in comparative tests in which we rank among the best laboratories in the world.

The laboratory has held accreditation since 2010, based on demonstrated results, for parentage testing from the international organisation ICAR (International Committee for Animal Recording).

The Genetics Laboratory Nitra is part of the Breeding Services of the Slovak Republic, s.e. and organisationally falls under the Special Purpose Breeding Facility.

We perform DNA tests for the following animal species

Cattle

DNA test for cattle

• Beta casein genotype determination (A2 milk) (non-accredited test)
• Individual identification by DNA test
• Verification of offspring origin by comparison with both parents and issuance of a certificate of origin

Accompanying form for verification of cattle origin
We are here for you – do not hesitate to contact us for volume discounts and long-term cooperation.
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DNA material:
• blood
• hair
• semen
• milk
• tissue

Sample collection for DNA test

Since 1995 the laboratory has been a member of ISAG (International Society of Animal Genetics), where as an active member it participates in comparative tests. In the comparative test for cattle we achieve 100% success.

For DNA testing of cattle, our laboratory tests the set of microsatellites prescribed by ISAG.

Horses

DNA test for horses

• WFFS detection in horses (non-accredited test)
• Individual identification by DNA test
• Verification of offspring origin by comparison with both parents and issuance of a certificate of origin

Accompanying form for verification of horse origin
Accompanying form for WFFS detection in horses

We are here for you – do not hesitate to contact us for volume discounts and long-term cooperation.
Contact

DNA material:
• blood
• mane
• semen
• tissue

Sample collection for DNA test

Warmblood Fragile Foal Syndrome Type I (WFFST1), known as the „fragile foal syndrome“, is among the hereditary diseases affecting connective tissue. It occurs in warmblood horse breeds.

WFFS is caused by a mutation in the LH1 gene, which encodes an enzyme needed for collagen production. It manifests immediately after birth in an abnormally loose, thin, fragile skin that tears easily. The so-called mucous membranes are also affected, leading to extensive lesions throughout the body and haematomas. During pregnancy, fluid accumulation in the foetus or premature foaling may occur. As these are extensive injuries with no possibility of treatment, foals either die prenatally or are euthanised shortly after birth due to severe pain from sepsis.

WFFS is an autosomal recessive disease, meaning that for the disease to develop, both parents must carry the mutated allele for WFFS. If an animal is a carrier (it carries one allele for WFFS), it may be used in breeding, but the PLOD1 gene genotype of the other parent must also be known.

N/N healthy animal, not a carrier of WFFS
N/WFFS healthy animal, but carries WFFS to offspring
WFFS/WFFS affected animal
Parental combinations:
N/WFFS x N/N 50% probability of a carrier being born
N/WFFS x N/WFFS 25% probability of an affected foal being born, and 50% probability of a carrier being born

For DNA testing of horses, our laboratory tests the set of microsatellites prescribed by ISAG.

Since 1995 the laboratory has been a member of ISAG (International Society of Animal Genetics), where as an active member it participates in comparative tests. In the comparative test for horses we achieve 100% success.

Sheep and Goats

DNA test for sheep and goats

• Individual identification by DNA test
• Verification of offspring origin by comparison with both parents and issuance of a certificate of origin

Accompanying form for verification of sheep origin
Accompanying form for verification of goat origin

We are here for you – do not hesitate to contact us for volume discounts and long-term cooperation.
Contact

DNA material:
• blood
• wool
• semen
• milk
• tissue

Sample collection for DNA test

Since 1995 the laboratory has been a member of ISAG (International Society of Animal Genetics).

Pigs

DNA test for pigs

• Individual identification by DNA test
• Verification of offspring origin by comparison with both parents and issuance of a certificate of origin
• Foreign certificate containing the complete DNA profile of the animal
• Testing of candidate genes for production traits in pigs:
• Stress sensitivity (RYR), intramuscular fat (H-FABP), fatness (IGF2) – non-accredited test

Accompanying form for verification of pig origin

We are here for you – do not hesitate to contact us for volume discounts and long-term cooperation.
Contact

DNA material:
• blood
• bristles
• semen
• tissue

Sample collection for DNA test

Since 1995 the laboratory has been a member of ISAG (International Society of Animal Genetics).

Dogs

DNA test for dogs

• Individual identification by DNA test
• Verification of offspring origin by comparison with both parents and issuance of a certificate of origin

Accompanying form for verification of dog origin

We are here for you – do not hesitate to contact us for volume discounts and long-term cooperation.
Contact

DNA material:
• blood
• hair

Sample collection for DNA test

For DNA testing of dogs, our laboratory tests the set of microsatellites prescribed by ISAG.

Ratites and Birds

DNA test for ratites and birds

• Sex determination by DNA test

Accompanying form for sex verification of ratites (ostrich, rhea)
Accompanying form for sex verification of emu
Accompanying form for sex verification of birds

DNA material:
• blood
• feather

Sample collection for DNA test

The many years of experience of our laboratory in determining the sex of birds by DNA test ensure fast and 100% results.

Our primary goal is to ensure customer satisfaction.

Sex verification of birds and ratites is not an accredited test.