Mars Veterinary Launches DIY DNA Kit for Dog Owners

Posted on March 16, 2010 by Lizz

Mars Veterinary has launched a new do-it-yourself DNA test kit for dogs. Called Wisdom Panel Insights, the test is the result of advances in canine genetic testing, making it possible for dog owners to access breed detection technology inexpensively and conveniently.

The company claims that with the simple swipe of a cheek swab, Wisdom Panel Insights can determine the ancestry of a mixed-breed dog by testing for more than 170 breeds, the largest database on the market. Within three weeks, dog owners will be e-mailed an ancestry report that reveals the dog's genetic background.

A nationwide survey in 2007 revealed that roughly half of all dogs in the US are cross-bred and 86% of owners are unsure of their pet's breed composition1. This is an important fact because a dog's ancestry can have a significant influence on its development and subsequent behaviour.

Obvious - and not-so-obvious - physical traits, plus behaviours such as digging, herding and barking, all come from the various breeds in a dog's family tree. Once an owner understands a dog's natural tendencies, it makes it possible to create a tailored training, exercise and nutrition programme to fit his one-of-a-kind needs.

Mars Veterinary launched a veterinarian-administered, blood-based, Wisdom Panel MX test in 2007. Its development included the analysis of more than 19 million DNA markers from more than 13,000 dogs. And in October this year, the firm is launching Wisdom Panel Professional, which will eventually replace the current Wisdom Panel MX product.

This new blood-based mixed-breed dog genetic test will be offered exclusively through veterinarians and, according to the company, will be capable of detecting more than 200 breeds, types and varieties with unprecedented accuracy.

Apparently, this new test will also pre-screen for 14 breed-related diseases, predict a puppy's adult weight range and offer the most comprehensive breed database of any DNA test in the market.

(1) This research project was conducted online in 2007 in order to assess mixed breed dog owners' knowledge of their dogs' makeup. A total of 711 mixed-breed dog owners completed the survey.

 

Originally published at: VetPulse.tv
Author: David Watson
Date: Sep 22, 2009