Parentage Verification in Alpacas

When ordering parentage verification together with a genetic profile for offspring, the Genetic Profile test will automatically be added to the order at a price of CZK 1350. Determination of the genetic profile is essential for parentage testing, as relatedness is assessed by comparing genetic profiles. As part of genetic profiling, Genomia analyzes the following markers: LCA5, LCA8, LCA19, LCA37, LCA56, LCA65, LCA66, LCA94, LCA99, LGU49, LGU50, YWLL44, YWLL29, and YWLL40.

To assess family relationships between offspring, sire, and dam, genetic profiles of all individuals involved must be determined. The output consists of four certificates — three genetic profile certificates and one parentage verification certificate.

Parentage verification is performed by comparing the genetic profiles of the offspring, sire, and dam. Verification of maternity or paternity is not conclusive if the complete family is not analyzed. For highly reliable paternity verification, samples from both parents are recommended. Individuals of the same species are genetically very similar and differ only in some microsatellite markers.

Can I Provide an Already Established Genetic Profile for Parentage Verification?

Instead of submitting a sample for genetic profiling, an already established genetic profile may be provided. If one of the assessed profiles was established by another laboratory, Genomia charges a processing fee of CZK 150 (including VAT) for the evaluation of an external genetic profile.

Each external profile is assessed individually. Genomia reserves the right to reject an external profile for parentage verification purposes. Preference is given to profiles established by laboratories participating in ISAG quality control tests with a “rank 1” result, corresponding to a success rate of 98–100%.

What Is a Genetic Profile?

A genetic profile (DNA profile) can be established from a blood sample. The principle of parentage verification is similar to that used in humans — matching genetic characteristics are identified in the DNA of offspring and parents. If the tested parent is the true biological parent, the relationship is confirmed because a biological parent shares one allele with the offspring at every marker.

Parentage testing uses Short Tandem Repeats (STRs), also known as microsatellites. These are genetic markers consisting of repeated DNA sequences of two to seven base pairs. STR alleles differ according to the number of sequence repeats. Due to their high polymorphism and Mendelian inheritance, microsatellites are highly suitable for individual identification, parentage testing, and genetic diversity studies.

STR alleles are analyzed using multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR). One primer of each primer pair is labeled at the 5’ end with a fluorescent dye. Amplified fragments are then separated and detected using an automated capillary electrophoresis instrument.

The following markers are used for alpaca genetic profiling and parentage verification:
LCA5, LCA8, LCA19, LCA37, LCA56, LCA65, LCA66, LCA94, LCA99, LGU49, LGU50, YWLL44, YWLL29, and YWLL40.