Frequently Asked Questions (Equine)
What is DNA?
This acronym stands for Deoxyribo-Nucleic-Acid. It is a long, complex molecule carrying information in the form of a chemical code and dictates how the body and cells should form.
How do I go about testing my horse?
You will need to submit a mane/tail hair sample to us, normally 30-40 hairs complete with root follicles in a zip-lock plastic bag or paper envelope. To download the accompanying form, please click here. Or contact us to obtain a form and collection bag.
I live outside the U.S.. Can I send samples for testing?
Yes, We get thousands of samples from countries around the world. Please follow sample collections instructions.
How much does it cost?
Testing prices can be found at Equine Fee Schedule
What payment forms are accepted?
Payment can be made by credit card, check, money order, PayPal (PayPal@animalgenetics.us), or electronic transfer. Checks can be made in US dollars and should be made out to Animal Genetics. We accept all major credit cards including Visa, Master card and American Express.
How do I pay for my testing?
Payment for services can be made by check, money order when submitting the order form. Alternately, you can fill out your credit/debit card details - or if you prefer, give them to us over the phone. If you are paying by PayPal, please make a payment to PayPal@animalgenetics.us and write the name of the person submitting sample or the Animal Genetics account # in the PayPal comments box.
How do I obtain my results?
Results are available online using your account number and password. We can also contact you via telephone to explain the results and the implications of the results for your horse. A PDF copy of the results and invoice are e-mailed a day or two after the results are available. All tests are certified free of charge. An optional hard-copy can be mail after results are reported.
How long does testing take?
Results will be made available within 3-5 days of receipt of samples.
Is the testing accurate?
Extremely. We use PCR technology renowned for its clinical precision to ensure result accuracy, our laboratory team have been working together for almost two decades. Mane hair samples provide a strong source of DNA, but if for whatever reason results are inconclusive after the first attempt (i.e. sample decomposition), we will always contact you to request a replacement sample at no extra cost.
Does a horse have to be a certain age?
From birth to death, DNA remains the same, so there is no age range for the most accurate results. However, the hair of a foal under 3-6 months old is very fine and tail hair may be needed to collect a proper sample.
My horse is not registered yet, can I still send in a sample for testing?
Absolutely! We do not need registration information to test -- we only need to know the horse's breed.
I only have a sample from one of my horse's parents, can you still test to determine parentage?
Yes, but you get a much higher probability if you have samples from both parents. With one sample, you can exclude the parent but not confirm.
Can you determine the breed of my horse?
No, there is no test currently available to determine horse breed.
Why is my sample "On Hold"?
There is a problem with the payment for the sample. Please make a payment or contact us for assistance.
I can't get the submission form to print, what should I do?
Simply print 1) your contact information - name, address, phone number and email address -- and 2) breed of horse 3) horse's ID and 4) test requested on a piece of paper and submit with your sample.
Submit a Sample for Testing:
To submit a sample for testing please click on ORDER and download a sample submission form. Then follow the sample collection and submission instructions.
Combination Testing:
Combination price is only available when the panel is requested and completed at one time. This price is for the complete panel and tests can not be substituted or changed. Animal Genetics stores all equine samples for at least five years. This allows the individual who submitted the sample to add tests including a panel to any previously submitted sample.
Sample Storage:
Aimal Genetics stores all equine samples for at least 10 years. This allows the individual who submitted the sample to add tests including a panel to any previously submitted sample.