What is DNA testing and parentage verification?
DNA testing allows APHA to obtain the genetic markers on a specific horse from a hair or blood sample to keep on file. It is most commonly done from a hair sample. Parentage verification is testing conducted to verify that the sire and dam of a specific horse are correctly identified. It involves performing DNA testing on the foal and dam, and using the DNA information on file for the sire to verify the pedigree. Parentage verification is required when a foal is produced using transported cooled semen/frozen semen or embryo transfer. Parentage verification is also required for horses who will race in APHA approved races.
