Studying pedigrees back generations, checking for genetic disorders, and ensuring a dog's overall health are all essential steps before breeding. With Embark's state-of-the-art DNA tests, breeders can have a comprehensive understanding of their dogs' genetic makeup, making them better equipped to make informed decisions when it comes to breeding.
Compared to long and tedious laboratory tests, the Embark DNA test is quick and easy to use. It only requires a simple cheek swab, making it less stressful for breeders and dogs. Results are also delivered promptly, allowing breeders to plan their breeding schedules accordingly.
So, for all the breeders out there who want to produce healthy and ethically bred puppies, Embark is the perfect solution. This blog will reveal its advantages and why it should be an essential tool in every dog breeder's arsenal.
What Is Embark's DNA Test and Why Do Breeders Need It?
Embark's DNA test is a comprehensive genetic screening tool for dogs. It analyzes over 200,000 genetic markers in a dog's DNA to determine their breed ancestry and identify potential health risks and traits.
The test uses the dog's saliva, collected through a simple cheek swab, and provides results in just 2-4 weeks. This makes it a quick and efficient way for breeders to get crucial information about their dogs' genetics.
Embark is affiliated with Cornell College of Veterinary Medicine and screens dogs for over 165 genetic health conditions to ensure accurate and reliable results. This makes it a valuable tool for breeders who want to produce healthy puppies with minimal risk of inherited diseases.
Why breeders must use Embark's DNA test is quite evident. It provides important information about a dog's genetic makeup, which can help them make informed breeding decisions and avoid producing puppies with potential health problems.
While the typical study of ancestry or breed identification is possible through visual observation, certain genetic diseases are invisible and can only be detected through DNA testing. Embark's test covers many health conditions, including those common in specific breeds. This enables breeders to identify potential issues before they become problems and take preventative measures.
Besides, breeders can prove the bloodline of their dogs by obtaining a Breeders' Certificate from Embark. This certificate can prove a dog's ancestry and help breeders maintain accurate pedigrees.
Breeders using this innovative DNA testing have better relationships with dog owners who see proof instead of only trusting the breeder's word. This can create trust and transparency in breeding practices, which is essential for maintaining a positive reputation as a responsible breeder.
How to Do the Embark Dog DNA Test?
Pretty, pretty easy. Easier than you might think, honestly.
Embark's DNA test kit comes with detailed instructions on collecting your dog's sample and registering it online. Simply follow these steps:
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Order the Embark Dog DNA Test Kit from their website.
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When the kit arrives, activate it online and create a profile for your dog.
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Collect a saliva sample from your dog using the provided swabs. Swab the inside of your dog's cheek for about 30 seconds and ensure at least 30 minutes have passed since your dog last ate or drank.
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Place the swabs back into the collection tube and seal it. Shink the tub to mix the solution.
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Ship the sample back to Embark using the prepaid envelope provided.
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Wait for your results, which will be available online within 2-4 weeks.
When you send the sample, you get notifications and updates on where your dog's sample is and when you can expect the results. This process is reassuring, especially for those who may be anxious about the shipping and handling of their dog's sample.
Once your results are ready, you can log into your profile on Embark's website to view them. You will receive a comprehensive report on your dog's breed ancestry, health risks, and traits. This report is easy to understand and includes fun features like family tree visualizations and a relative matching tool.
Why Trust Embark?
The results provided by Embark have been reached thanks to joint research with partners from Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, knowing they have the world's largest canine DNA research database.
The results provided by Embark are accepted by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals and the UK Kennel Club, so you can be confident that the information is reliable and accurate. Additionally, Embark has a team of veterinarians available to answer any questions or concerns you may have about your results.
Embark's Tools for Breeders
So, you've got your individual dog's results, but what if you are a breeder who wants to understand more about the genetic diversity and health of your entire breeding line? Embark has tools specifically designed for breeders to help make informed breeding decisions.
Pair Detector for Predicting Genetic Health Risks
The Pair Detector tool allows breeders to input the DNA results of two potential breeding dogs and predicts the likelihood of any inherited health risks in their offspring. This can be a valuable tool for breeders who want to ensure they are not passing on harmful or potentially fatal conditions.
Health Screening for Avoiding Hereditary Diseases
Embark also offers a comprehensive health screening for dogs, which tests for over 200 genetic health conditions. This can be especially useful for breeders who want to ensure the overall health of their breeding line and reduce the risk of hereditary diseases being passed down.
COI and DLA Measurer for Maximizing Genetic Diversity
COI (Coefficient of Inbreeding) and DLA (Dog Leukocyte Antigen) are important factors when breeding dogs. High COI values indicate a high level of inbreeding, which can increase the risk of genetic diseases. DLA measures the diversity of immune genes, which is crucial for overall health and disease resistance.
Embark's COI and DLA Measurer allow breeders to input DNA results from potential breeding pairs and provide an easy-to-understand measure of their relatedness. This tool can help breeders make informed decisions about maximizing genetic diversity in their breeding lines.
Breed Ancestry Determinator for Understanding Genetic History
Knowing the genetic history of a breed can help breeders make informed decisions about breeding. Embark's Breed Ancestry Determinator uses over 350 breeds in its database to trace a dog's ancestry and provide insight into potential health conditions or traits that may arise in offspring.
Understanding the genetic makeup of a breed can also aid breeders in selecting the most compatible breeding pairs, ensuring healthier and genetically diverse puppies.
Detector of Dog's Eventual Traits
Embark's genetic testing not only provides information on health conditions and breed ancestry but also predicts potential physical traits of a dog. This can be especially useful for breeders with specific goals for their breeding program.
For example, if a breeder wants to produce dogs with a certain coat color or size, they can use Embark's DNA testing to determine which pairs are most likely to produce those desired traits. This allows breeders to have more control over the outcomes of their breeding efforts.
