How does DNA typing for parentage differ from the previous system of blood typing?
Converting from blood typing to DNA typing for parentage and pedigree validation may appear at first to be a hassle as many previously typed sires and dams must be resubmitted for DNA analysis. DNA typing, however, is much more useful for pedigree validation as it can be performed using samples from animals that are no longer available. Blood typing requires fresh whole blood for analysis whereas hair roots, semen or tissue can be submitted for DNA typing. ^ Return to top How accurate is DNA typing for parentage? The use of microsatellite DNA for parentage verification provides a level of exclusion for any parent of up to 99%. ^ Return to top What is a microsatellite? Microsatellite sequence consists of repeated units of the genetic code G, A, T or C; the most common repeat unit is CA. For example, a particular microsatellite may consist of 10 repeated CA units. During evolution, a mutation in the DNA may result in some individuals having 8 repeat units whereas others may have 6 or 12
