Background
During the last decades, a large number of scientific publications have described the genetic principles of coat colour and coat variation. Coat colours and coat variations are influenced by many hereditary factors. The DNA-tests are based on physiological effects in the body, in which the production and distribution of pigments result in many coat colour variants. In several cases, the coat colour of an animal may only be decided using DNA-tests.
The Fibroblast Growth Factor 5 (FGF5) determines the hair length. The Hair Length test (H765) tests for the genetic status of the FGF5-gene and has two variants (alleles). The allele S is dominant and results in short hair. Only when the dog has two copies of the recessive allele L the dog has long hair. Some breeds, such as Labradors, are fixed for the dominant allele S. Other breeds, such as Poodles, are fixed for the recessive allele L and some breeds, such as Dachshund, can have either long or short hair. In some breeds another, yet unidentified, mutation is present that influences hair length. This unidentified mutation is known to occur in Afghan Hounds, Yorkshire Terriers, and Silky Terriers.
Test specific information
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Age
The genetic factor is continuously present, and will always be visible.
Throughput
The turn-around-time of a test depends to a large extent on the logistics of sample transportation to the laboratory. After receiving the sample at the test location, you can normally expect the result within 15 working days. A longer delivery time applies to tests carried out by a Partner Lab.
Location of disease or trait
The hairlength can be assessed on the outside of an individual.
Breed dependence
For this test samples from all breeds are accepted.
Sample type
For this DNA test we accept the following materials: Semen, Blood EDTA, Blood Heparin, Tissue, Swab. Please contact Dr. Van Haeringen Laboratorium if you wish to submit other material as listed.
Result
An animal can be free and has in that situation two healthy alleles. When used in breeding this animal will not become ill due to the disease. It cannot spread the disease in the population.
An animal can be carrier and has in that situation one healthy and one disease allele. When used in breeding 50 percent of the offspring will receive the disease allele. Carriers will not become ill.
An animal can be affected and has in that situation two disease alleles. When used in breeding all offspring will also receive the disease allele. Affected will become ill.
Inheritance
This genetic factor is inherited in an autosomal, recessive, mode. This means, that the individual can be free of the disease (homozygote normal), affected (homozygous affected) or carrier (heterozygous).
Carriers may spread the mutation in a population without showing symptoms themselves. Because of this, it is extremely important to identify carriers correctly to prevent spreading of a mutation.
Severity of Disease
Genetic characteristics are not a disease.
