Horse

Last changed: 30 October 2024

For horses The Animal Genetics Laboratory mainly carries out parentage controls. There are also specific tests for defects and coat colours as well as performance traits (Synchrogait).

For large amounts of samples - please contact the lab!

The Animal Genetics Laboratory use payment in advance for all genetic test and paternity control. 

Payment should be made prior to any service rendered and goods delivered.

Please make bank transfer to the following bank account. Note that a payment reference (HBIO) is mandatory. Please state the name of the animal. 

  • Name of account holder: Sveriges Lantbruksuniversitet
  • Account number (IBAN): SE92 1200 0000 0128 1011 9104
  • BIC/Swift: DABASESX
  • Bank address: Norrmalmstorg 1, 111 46 Stockholm, Sweden

For questions, please contact hgenlab@slu.se

How to proceed

1. Order a sampling kit by filling out the ordering form or e-mail hgenlab@slu.se.

2. Fill out the form, preferably directly in the pdf-file or by hand on the printed version. Horses that will be registered in ASVH or SIF do not need this form to accompany the DNA sample. Please follow the instruction from the registry of your breed in this matter.

3. Take the hair samples as directed in the document 'Instructions for sampling hair for DNA-typing'.
Incorrectly fitted samples entail extra work load and will be charged with an additional cost.

4. Send samples and signed forms to: Animal Genetics Laboratory, SLU, P O Box 7023, SE-750 07 Uppsala, SWEDEN.

Normal turnaround time is about 10-15 days after sample arrival at the Animal Genetics Laboratory. NB! Turnaround time will be longer for tests performed at external laboratory. 

Results are primarily sent by e-mail.

Parentage testing/DNA profile

Read more about parentage testing

Parentage testing/DNA profile

  • 850 SEK per sample (incl VAT)

Copies, complements, incorrect attached samples etc

  • 250 SEK (incl VAT)

Inherited diseases

Order sample material

Instructions

We offer genetic analysis of following diseases:

All prices incl VAT

Skeletal Atavism™ (SA) - 1500 SEK

Skeletal Atavism™ (SA) and paternity control - 2000 SEK

SCID - 1000 SEK

  • Identity or parental control included (Arabian horses)

CA - 1000 SEK

  • Identity or parental control included (Arabian horses)

SCID and CA - 1125 SEK

  • Identity or parental control included (Arabian horses)

OLWS - 825 SEK

Myotonia - 825 SEK

HWSD (Hoof wall separation disease) - 825 SEK

PSSM 1 (Polysaccharide storage myopathy) - 825 SEK

MCOA - 825 SEK

NB! Add an extra fee of 250 SEK to tests for HYPP and LFS

HYPP (Hyperkalemic Periodic Paralysis) - 825 SEK + 250 SEK for external testing for each sample

LFS (Lavender Foal Syndrome) - 825 SEK + 250 SEK for external testing for each sample 

Copies, complements, incorrect attached samples etc - 250 SEK  

 

SCID- and CA-analysis will only be performed together with identity or parental control.

Please contact the laboratory if you are looking for a test not listed here.

Myotonia (Congenital myotonia)

Congenital myotonia is an autosomal recessive disease affecting the New Forest pony. Two copies of the mutation are needed to cause the disorder. Carriers do not show any symptoms. The disorder is characterized by involuntary muscular contractions and decreased power of relaxation.

HWSD (Hoof Wall Separation Disease)

HWSD is an autosomal recessive defect affecting the Connemara pony. Two copies of the mutation are needed to cause the disorder. Carriers do not show any symptoms. Affected foals are born with a weakened hoof wall that will easily crack and break away. There is no cure and the disease often cause severe pain.

PSSM1 (Polysaccharide Storage Myopathy)

PSSM1 is an autosomal dominant muscle disease affecting multiple breeds. Due to an abnormal glycogen storage in the muscles, affected horses exhibit symptoms such as cross paralysis, movement disorders, muscle stiffness and sweating. Horses with one copy of the mutation (heterozygous) may show symptoms of disease and horses with two copies may be more severely affected.

MCOA (Multiple Congenital Ocular Anomalies)/Silver dilute

The eye disorder MCOA is associated to the silver dilute coat color. Horses with one copy (heterozygous) of the mutation tend to show a milder form of the disorder, while horses with two copies (homozygous) are worse affected with severe visual impairment or blindness. The mutation causes black pigment to dilute but has no effect on red pigment.

WFFS (Warmblood Fragile Foal Syndrome)

WFFS is an autosomal recessive disease. Two copies of the mutation are needed to cause the disorder. Carriers do not show any symptoms. In foals with WFFS, clinical symptoms are seen such as extremely fragile skin that breaks apart, hypermobility and edema. Foal with WFFS dies or will have to be euthanized shortly after birth. Affected fetuses may be resorbed or aborted at an earlier stage. The WFFS mutation is prevalent in most warm-blooded breeds and has also been reported in other breeds such as English thoroughbred and Knabstruper. Similar symptoms have also been recorded in other breeds but are likely due to mutations in other genes affecting the formation of connective tissue.

Skeletal Atavism™ (SA)

Skeletal Atavism affects Shetland ponies and American Miniature horses. Two copies of the mutation are needed to cause the disorder. Carriers do not show any symptoms. Affected foals are born with severe angle anomalies and deformation of both front and hind limbs. The misalignments are usually so severe that the foal will have to be euthanized.

Researchers at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences and Uppsala University, together with three foreign research groups, have developed a genetic test that can help breeders identify carriers and thus prevent the birth of malformed foals. This DNA test is now available to anyone who wants to test their horses.

SCID (Severe Combined Immunodeficiency)

SCID is an autosomal recessive disease affecting Arabian horses. Affected foals are born without a functioning immune system and consequently die at an early age due to infections, usually within 4-6 months. Two copies of the mutation are needed to cause the disease. Carriers do not show any symptoms.

CA (Equine Cerebellar Abiotrophy)

CA is an autosomal recessive disease that mainly affects Arabian horses. It is a neurological disease that causes the death of neurons in the cerebellum. The foals appear normal at birth, but develop symptoms such as head shaking and balance disorders. There is currently no cure for the disease. Two copies of the mutation are needed to cause the disease. Carriers do not show any symptoms.

OLWS (Overo Lethal White Syndrome)

OLWS is an autosomal recessive genetic defect associated with the coat color frame-overo but has also been found in tobiano/overos and some solid-colored horses. Affected foals appear to be perfectly normal, but with a white or almost white hair coat color and blue eyes. However, they have a dysfunctional colon and show signs of colic only a few hours after birth. The foals will die within a few days, but as the disease is very painful, they are euthanized as soon as they have been diagnosed. Two copies of the mutation are needed to cause the disease. Carriers do not show any symptoms.

HYPP (Hyperkalemic Periodic Paralysis)

Hypp is a muscular disease with dominant inheritance affecting Quarter horses. Horses with HYPP are hypersensitive to potassium. If the potassium levels in the blood become too high, the horse may exhibit symptoms such as cramps and paralysis which can lead to cardiac arrest. Heterozygous horses (one copy) are affected by the disease but homozygous (two copies) horses are more severely affected.

LFS (Lavender Foal Syndrome)

LFS is an autosomal recessive disease affecting Arabian horses. Two copies of the mutation are needed to cause the disorder. Carriers do not show any symptoms. Foals with LFS are born weak, with difficulty getting up and exhibit spasmodic seizures where legs, neck and back are stretched. They typically have a diluted coat color. There is no cure for the disease and affected foals will have to be euthanized.

 


 

 

Performance testing

What is Synchrogait?

SynchroGait is a diagnostic DNA test. It is based on a research project in which we identified a gene variant that has a major impact on the gait and coordination of horses. This exciting discovery is the first of its kind and has been published in Nature, a well-respected scientific journal. The SynchroGait test enables you to identify one of the most important genetic factors that affects the performance of a trotting horse and that is permissive for alternative gaits, such as pacing in Icelandic horses.

Test Synchrogait ®

  • 3625 kr (incl VAT)
  • Identity control included

Instructions

Order sample material

5% discount for ASVT and Sleipner members

To benefit from the discount, enter your membership number as other information in the order form.

Coat colour

We offer the following tests for coat colour:

All prices incl VAT

Instructions

Order sample material

Chestnut/black - 575 SEK

Agouti - 575 SEK

Cream - 575 SEK

50% discount if you order two or more of the above colour tests

Champagne - 575 SEK

Dun - 575 SEK

Silver - Please see Inherited diseases - MCOA

NB! Add an extra fee of 250 SEK to the following tests, due to external testing. 

Tobiano - 575 SEK +250 SEK for each sample

Splashed white - 575 SEK +250 SEK for each sample 

True roan - 875 SEK +250 SEK for each sample. Please attach a photo (colour) of the horse, a hair sample from at least one parent and a pedigree showing three generations including information about colour and signs of all individuals.

Grey - 575 SEK +250 SEK for each sample 

Mushroom - 575 SEK +250 SEK for each sample - Shetland pony


Contact

Animal Genetics Laboratory, SLU
hgenlab@slu.se  +46(0)18-67 28 04
Phone hours: mon-fri 10-11 am