Equine DNA Testing for Parentage Verification

This genetic test for horses is fast, affordable, and accurate.

How do I get Proof of Parentage for a Foal?

Whether you need proof of parentage for your new equine addition or would like to offer your purchasers DNA-certified pedigrees, the DNA-testing professionals at DDC are ready to help. You can trust us for fast results, 5-star service, and friendly customer service.

Test Highlights:
Name: Horse Parentage DNA Test
DNA Samples: Hair Collected at Home
Cost: £38 per Sample Tested
Results: Within 10 Business Days after Receipt of Samples

Details about DDC Equine DNA Testing for Parentage

Parentage for horses can be definitively established using PCR DNA technology. For parentage testing, the DDC team uses an optimized 22-DNA marker panel plus a gender marker. A typical test includes both parents. If the dam is not available, please contact us for more information about extended-test options for equine DNA testing for parentage.

You collect the DNA samples using hair from the main of an adult horse or hair from the tail of a foal—it’s easy! Click for DIY instructions.

Once results are ready, DDC emails a detailed parentage report showing inclusion or exclusion of each sire tested along with a DNA Profile summary page. Results are reported as:

  • Parentage qualifies (inclusion of sire and dam): Both the sire and dam matched the offspring (foal) at all 22 DNA markers
  • Parentage does not qualify (exclusion of sire, dam is included): The dam matched the offspring (foal), but the possible sire did not match the offspring and is not the sire.

DNA results are emailed within 10 business days, once samples are received at the laboratory.

Do you have questions about this test?  See our FAQs or contact us for a free consultation.

NOTE: This test does not determine the breed make-up or lineage of a horse. It is for direct parentage only.

DIY Kit: Horse DNA Testing Collection Instructions

DNA samples for horse DNA parentage are collected and mailed to our laboratory by the customer. Be sure to follow all instructions carefully.

FAQs: More About this Test

Q: Why should I send the mother’s sample if I already know she is the mom?
A: Including the mother’s DNA can help to strengthen results. When the mother is not available, extended testing can be done to determine proper parentage.
Q: What type of sample is needed?
A: DNA testing is performed from hair samples collected from the mane above the withers. The DNA is contained in the root bulb (follicle). The hair from the mane of a foal may be fine and not have much of a root bulb. When collecting samples from young foals, collect hair from the tail instead where the follicle at the end is larger.
Q: If my horse has already been DNA-profiled through DDC Veterinary, do I need to send another sample?

A: No. We can access our database to retrieve the DNA Profile information for horses we have tested. You can provide us with the DNA ID number for that previously-tested horse and we will include it in a new parentage evaluation. There is a $10 fee to include each previously-tested profile in a new parentage-evaluation case.

Reach Us

Do you have questions or need assistance? Contact our team.

Our Pets & Vets products are serviced exclusively by our U.S.A office. Email your request using the form, and one of our experts will reply as soon as possible.

DNA Technology Park
1 DDC Way
Fairfield, OH 45014

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