Although one of the oldest genetic techniques, karyotyping remains a reliable and widely used procedure in our genetic laboratory. In addition to our ongoing projects involving livestock samples and cell lines for cultured meat, we have recently introduced a specialized karyotyping test for horses.
Valuable diagnostic tool
Karyotyping is a valuable diagnostic tool, particularly in evaluating mares with reduced fertility or repeated early embryonic loss (REEL). By visualizing the complete set of chromosomes within a cell under a light microscope, this technique allows us to identify a variety of chromosomal abnormalities. The process involves isolating cells and arranging their chromosomes into a standardized karyogram for detailed analysis. These karyograms can reveal anomalies such as trisomies, deletions, insertions, and both reciprocal and Robertsonian translocations.
In horses, karyotyping is particularly effective in diagnosing Disorders of Sexual Development (DSDs), such as Equine Turner Syndrome (XO) and mosaicism, as well as identifying reciprocal translocations that can affect reproductive performance.
Article in Paardenkrant Extra
Recently, our colleague and veterinarian Ilona Jochems was featured in Paardenkrant Extra, a special edition of the Dutch weekly newspaper Paardenkrant, where she discussed the relevance of karyotyping in horse breeding. The article offers valuable insights into the application of this technique and can be accessed here (Dutch only).
How to order karyotyping for a horse?
The equine karyotyping test can be performed on a heparin blood sample and is available for order in our CombiBreed webshop under test code P335.
