UC Davis testing offers APHA new testing options beginning January 1, 2012

The American Paint Horse Association (APHA) will use UC Davis exclusively for genetic testing as of January 1, 2012. Working with the California-based lab, APHA will offer a variety of testing options to APHA members. The new testing packages are designed to increase member awareness of the genetic possibilities when breeding their American Paint Horses. Included in the testing options are a comprehensive coat color package, comprehensive disease diagnostic package and selected individual tests.

The standard DNA genetic typing test is required for all breeding stallions (Paint, Quarter Horse and Thoroughbred), mares bred using transported cooled/frozen semen, dams of horses intended to race or donor mares in the embryo transfer, vitrified embryo or oocyte program. Parentage verification is required on resulting foals from the above breeding methods, all cropout horses, and all race horses foaled on or after January 1, 2000.

American Paint Horse owners can also test for certain diseases with the UC Davis Comprehensive Disease Diagnostic test or the Individual Disease Diagnostic test. The comprehensive test will screen for several genetically transferred diseases including Hyperkalemic Periodic Paralysis (HYPP), Overo Lethal White Syndrome (OLWS), Hereditary Equine Regional Dermal Asthenia (HERDA) and Glycogen Branching Enzyme Deficiency (GBED). If an owner is interested in testing for just one or two of those diseases, they can utilize the individual test option and specify which test they choose.

Paint Horses are unique from most other breeds because of their spotted coat patterns. Although their base coat color can be the same as those of other breeds, superimposed over these colors are a variety of white spotting patterns which can make determining the horse’s base color difficult. The ability to recognize these patterns and understand the genetics behind them is essential for Paint Horse breeders.  The UC Davis Comprehensive Coat Color test offers a thorough screening of eleven coat colors, including tobiano and Sabino 1. Individual coat color tests can also be requested.

The DNA Hair Kit Order Form and complete fee schedule are available online at www.apha.com/forms/registration_forms, by phone at (817) 834-2742, ext. 777 or by mail through the APHA Field Services department. Fees range from $25-$110. For additional information contact Cindy Grier, APHA Field Services Managing Director, at cgrier@apha.com or by calling (817) 834-APHA (2742).

More About APHA

The American Paint Horse Association (APHA), founded in 1962 and headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas, is the international breed registry for the American Paint Horse. In fulfillment of its mission to collect, record and preserve pedigrees of the breed, APHA recognizes and supports 111 regional and international clubs, produces championship shows, sponsors trail rides and creates and maintains programs that increase the value of American Paint Horses and enriches members’ experiences with their horses. APHA has registered more than a million horses in 59 nations and territories since it was founded, and now serves approximately 64,000 active members around the world. The Association will celebrate its 50^th Anniversary in 2012.