Recording Genetic Test Results
Genetic analysis in Kora provides storage for DNA test results and genetic metrics. Record genetic profiles. Track inbreeding risk indicators. Document genetic diversity measurements. Maintain genetic marker data. Genetic testing transforms breeding decisions from guesswork based on visible traits. Becomes science-based choices informed by DNA-level information invisible to the eye.
This chapter explains how genetic test results are documented. What genetic information is tracked. How genetic data supports breeding program decisions.
What is Genetic Analysis?
Genetic analysis involves laboratory testing of animal DNA. Reveals genetic information not observable through physical examination:
- Genetic makeup: DNA markers and genetic variants
- Inbreeding risk: Genetic relatedness indicators
- Genetic diversity: Heterozygosity and genetic variation
- Genetic uniqueness: Rare or valuable genetic characteristics
- Trait markers: Genetic basis for specific characteristics
When genetic testing is used:
- Conservation breeding programs: Endangered species requiring precise genetic management
- Purebred breeding: Verifying breed purity and desirable genetics
- Parentage verification: DNA confirmation of claimed parentage
- Genetic disease screening: Testing for inherited health conditions
- Genetic diversity assessment: Population-level genetic health evaluation
Example genetic testing scenario:
Conservation Program - Endangered Parrot Population:
Situation: 20 parrots in breeding program, need to maximise genetic diversity
while avoiding inbreeding. Visible traits insufficient for genetic
assessment (all parrots appear similar).
Action: DNA testing conducted on all 20 individuals
Results Recorded:
- Individual genetic profiles for each parrot
- Inbreeding coefficients calculated from DNA markers
- Genetic diversity scores quantified
- Genetic uniqueness identified (which parrots carry rare genetics)
Outcome: Testing reveals 3 parrots with unique genetics (high priority for
breeding), identifies closely related pairs to avoid breeding,
provides objective data for breeding recommendations.
Genetic testing provides invisible information. Supports breeding decisions impossible to make from observation alone.
Types of Genetic Analysis
Different testing methods provide varying levels of genetic information:
DNA Analysis: Comprehensive genetic testing examining large portions of DNA. Provides detailed genetic information suitable for parentage verification. Genetic diversity assessment. Relatedness calculation.
Microsatellite Analysis: Tests specific genetic markers (microsatellites) that vary between individuals. Commonly used for parentage testing and genetic diversity assessment. Less expensive than full DNA sequencing. Provides useful genetic information.
SNP Analysis (Single Nucleotide Polymorphism): Tests specific DNA variants. Used for trait identification. Breed verification. Genetic disease screening. Targets known genetic locations associated with specific characteristics.
Example analysis type selection:
Scenario 1: Parentage Verification
Test Type: Microsatellite Analysis
Reason: Cost-effective for confirming which bull sired which calf
Information Gained: Parent-offspring relationship verified with high confidence
Scenario 2: Conservation Breeding
Test Type: DNA Analysis (comprehensive)
Reason: Need complete genetic picture for endangered species management
Information Gained: Inbreeding coefficients, diversity, uniqueness, relatedness
for entire population
Scenario 3: Breed Certification
Test Type: SNP Analysis
Reason: Verify breed-specific genetic markers
Information Gained: Confirmation animal carries breed-specific genetics,
purebred certification support
Testing type depends on breeding program goals. Budget considerations. Genetic information requirements.
Genetic Profiles and Data Storage
Genetic test results are stored as genetic profiles:
Genetic Profile Components:
- Sample Date: When genetic test conducted
- Analysis Type: Which testing method used (DNA, Microsatellite, SNP)
- Genetic Metrics: Calculated values from test results
- Genetic Markers: Specific markers or variants identified
- Test Data: Raw genetic data or laboratory results
- External Database Reference: Link to genetic database if applicable
- Notes: Interpretation, context, additional information
Example genetic profile:
Genetic Profile - Parrot "Azure" (Studbook ID: PCP-2024-F-008)
Sample Date: 2024-09-15
Analysis Type: DNA Analysis (comprehensive genetic testing)
Genetic Metrics:
Inbreeding Coefficient: 0.087 (8.7% - moderate inbreeding detected)
Genetic Diversity Score: 0.782 (78.2% - good diversity)
Genetic Uniqueness Score: 0.923 (92.3% - highly unique genetics)
Mean Kinship: 0.045 (4.5% average relationship to population)
Genetic Markers: "SNP_001:A/A|SNP_002:A/G|SNP_003:G/G|..." [detailed marker data]
External Database: Reference #GDB-2024-PARROT-0847
Laboratory: Conservation Genetics Lab, University of Wildlife Sciences
Notes: "Genetic testing reveals Azure carries rare genetic variants
underrepresented in captive population. High breeding priority to
preserve unique genetics. Moderate inbreeding suggests careful
breeding partner selection needed to improve diversity in offspring."
Genetic profiles create permanent record. DNA testing results accessible for breeding decisions across years.
Genetic Metrics Explained (High-Level)
Genetic testing produces various measurements. Describe genetic characteristics:
Inbreeding Coefficient
What it measures: Likelihood that an animal inherited identical genetic material from both parents. Due to shared ancestry (genetic relatedness between parents).
Range: 0.0 (no inbreeding) to 1.0 (maximum inbreeding)
Interpretation (simplified):
- 0.0 - 0.025: Low inbreeding (parents unrelated or distantly related)
- 0.025 - 0.05: Moderate inbreeding (parents are cousins or similar relatedness)
- 0.05 - 0.1: Elevated inbreeding (parents closely related)
- Above 0.1: High inbreeding (parents very closely related)
Why it matters: High inbreeding increases risk of genetic health problems. Reduced fertility. Decreased population fitness. Breeding programs aim to minimise inbreeding through careful partner selection.
Example:
Animal A: Inbreeding Coefficient 0.032
Interpretation: Low inbreeding, parents distantly related or unrelated.
Breeding recommendation: Good genetic health foundation.
Animal B: Inbreeding Coefficient 0.098
Interpretation: Elevated inbreeding, parents closely related.
Breeding recommendation: Priority breeding partner should have
low inbreeding and unrelated genetics.
Genetic Diversity Score
What it measures: Amount of genetic variation within individual's DNA (heterozygosity). Higher diversity means more genetic variation. Generally associated with better health and adaptability.
Range: 0.0 (no diversity) to 1.0 (maximum diversity)
Interpretation (simplified):
- Above 0.75: Excellent genetic diversity
- 0.6 - 0.75: Good diversity
- 0.5 - 0.6: Moderate diversity
- Below 0.5: Low diversity (concern for breeding programs)
Why it matters: Genetic diversity supports population health. Disease resistance. Long-term viability. Breeding programs prioritise maintaining or improving diversity.
Genetic Uniqueness Score
What it measures: How genetically distinct an individual is compared to rest of population. High uniqueness indicates rare genetics. Valuable for preserving genetic variation.
Range: 0.0 (genetically common) to 1.0 (extremely unique)
Interpretation (simplified):
- Above 0.8: Highly unique genetics (breeding priority)
- 0.6 - 0.8: Moderately unique
- 0.4 - 0.6: Average uniqueness
- Below 0.4: Genetically common (well-represented in population)
Why it matters: Animals with unique genetics contribute rare genetic variants when bred. Preserve genetic diversity not otherwise available in population.
Example:
Conservation Breeding Program Analysis:
Parrot "Azure":
Genetic Uniqueness: 0.923 (highly unique)
Interpretation: Azure carries rare genetics underrepresented in population
Breeding Priority: HIGH - breeding Azure preserves unique genetics
Parrot "Blue":
Genetic Uniqueness: 0.387 (common genetics)
Interpretation: Blue's genetics well-represented through many relatives
Breeding Priority: LOWER - other parrots contribute more genetic diversity
Mean Kinship
What it measures: Average genetic relatedness to rest of population. Lower mean kinship indicates animal is genetically distinct from population average.
Interpretation (simplified):
- Low mean kinship: Animal genetically dissimilar to population (valuable for diversity)
- High mean kinship: Animal genetically similar to population (over-represented genetics)
Why it matters: Breeding animals with low mean kinship introduces genetic variation. Less represented in population. Improves overall genetic diversity.
Using Genetic Data for Breeding Decisions
Genetic metrics inform breeding recommendations:
Breeding pair selection considerations:
- Avoid high inbreeding: Do not breed closely related animals
- Maximise diversity: Pair animals to produce genetically diverse offspring
- Preserve unique genetics: Prioritise breeding animals with rare genetics
- Balance representation: Avoid over-breeding genetically common animals
Example breeding decision workflow:
Breeding Decision - Should Parrot "Azure" breed with Parrot "Sky"?
Azure's Genetics:
Inbreeding Coefficient: 0.087 (moderate)
Genetic Diversity: 0.782 (good)
Genetic Uniqueness: 0.923 (highly unique)
Sky's Genetics:
Inbreeding Coefficient: 0.034 (low)
Genetic Diversity: 0.801 (good)
Genetic Uniqueness: 0.645 (moderately unique)
System Analysis:
Predicted Offspring Inbreeding: 0.041 (low - acceptable)
Genetic Compatibility: Good (both have good diversity)
Genetic Value: High (Azure's unique genetics preserved)
Recommendation: APPROVED - High Priority Breeding
Justification: "Azure's unique genetics combined with Sky's low inbreeding
produces offspring with valuable genetic diversity and low
inbreeding risk. Offspring will carry Azure's rare genetics
into next generation."
Genetic data transforms breeding decisions. From guesswork into science-based choices.
Genetic Marker Documentation
Specific genetic markers can be documented:
Genetic Markers: Specific DNA locations showing genetic variants. Used for:
- Trait identification (coat colour genes, horn presence, specific characteristics)
- Breed verification (breed-specific genetic markers)
- Disease screening (genetic health condition markers)
- Parentage testing (inherited markers proving parent-offspring relationships)
Example marker documentation:
Animal: Bull "Thunder"
Genetic Markers Documented:
Polled Gene: Homozygous Polled (PP)
- Interpretation: Thunder is naturally hornless (polled)
- Breeding Impact: All offspring will be polled (100% inheritance)
Coat Colour: Black (BB)
- Interpretation: Homozygous for black coat
- Breeding Impact: All offspring from black or brown cows will be black
Production Trait Markers: [Various SNPs associated with growth rate]
- Interpretation: Favourable genetics for growth and production
- Breeding Impact: Offspring likely to inherit production advantages
Marker documentation supports trait-based breeding decisions. Alongside genetic health considerations.
Multiple Genetic Profiles Over Time
Animals can have multiple genetic profiles documenting:
- Initial testing: Baseline genetic assessment
- Updated testing: Re-testing with improved technology
- Verification testing: Confirming previous results
- Trait-specific testing: Additional tests for specific characteristics
Example profile timeline:
Elephant "Zara" - Genetic Profile History:
Profile 1 (2019-03-15):
Analysis Type: Microsatellite Analysis
Purpose: Initial genetic assessment when born
Results: Inbreeding coefficient 0.056, parentage verified
Profile 2 (2022-08-20):
Analysis Type: Comprehensive DNA Analysis
Purpose: Detailed genetic evaluation before breeding age
Results: Updated inbreeding 0.054, genetic diversity 0.721,
uniqueness 0.612, detailed marker data
Profile 3 (2024-09-10):
Analysis Type: SNP Analysis
Purpose: Breeding partner compatibility assessment
Results: Optimal breeding partner identified based on genetic complementarity
Historical profiles track genetic information. As testing technology improves and breeding program needs evolve.
When Genetic Testing is Optional vs Essential
Essential genetic testing scenarios:
- Endangered species breeding: Conservation programs requiring precise genetic management
- Closed populations: Small populations where inbreeding risk is high
- Valuable genetic lines: High-value breeding where genetic optimisation critical
- Parentage verification: When breeding records uncertain or require confirmation
- Population rescue: Critically small populations needing every genetic advantage
Optional genetic testing scenarios:
- Large populations: Substantial breeding populations where inbreeding naturally low
- Open populations: Ability to introduce unrelated genetics from outside sources
- Well-documented pedigrees: Extensive multi-generational pedigrees providing relationship data
- Resource-limited programs: Budget constraints making genetic testing impractical
Example decision-making:
Scenario 1: Endangered Parrot (20 individuals globally)
Genetic Testing: ESSENTIAL
Reason: Every breeding decision critical, cannot afford genetic mistakes,
population too small to rely on chance
Scenario 2: Commercial Cattle Herd (500 breeding animals)
Genetic Testing: OPTIONAL
Reason: Large population, low inbreeding risk, pedigree-based management
sufficient for most breeding decisions. Testing valuable for
specific trait selection but not essential for inbreeding prevention.