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 Total Germophobe
Posts: 6437
   
Location: Montana | I know on cows they now have semen sexing, so I'm sure horses are not far behind that if they aren't already there in some circles. So my question is, how much farther has it gone or can it go? Can people not only choose the gender but the possible color of the resulting offspring? And maybe even further? While it is likely something I would not invest in if it were available to me (mostly because of probably expense, and I don't necessarily agree with it), it intrigues me to find things like this out. |
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Hungarian Midget Woman
Location: Midwest | Semen sexing is accomplished by spinning the sperm in a centrifuge and separating the xx from xy. I believe it can be done in horses but I thin the technique is expensive and fraught with failures.
I'm not sure about choosing color. I don't think this method has been developed but I could be wrong. It is theoretically possible to test flushed embryos and pick the one that is most desired, but most owners would probably still want to implant them all and sell the horses of the unwanted color, as at that level I'm sure they would still be worth good money.
In humans, you can test embryos from IVF prior to implanting in the uterus. Usually they are tested for common genetic issues, like Down's and some other common genetic syndromes, plus sex. They can also be tested for a specific genetic problem if it is known to occur in a family. This is done by letting the embryo divide a few times, then taking one cell and testing it with DNA probes.
I don't know if the methods are as developed in the horse world. It is surely possible, but expensive to develop methods like this when people aren't necessarily willing to pay for it frequently.
I work in human genetics, so my knowledge of equine practice is limited. |
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Total Germophobe
Posts: 6437
Location: Montana | Your knowledge in equine practice may be limited, but your answer is most definitely interesting. I wasn't sure how advanced we were getting with genetics, but hearing about sexing on cows, it made me wonder what other possibilities there are out there. Thank you very much! I love hearing about it. On a side note, what degree did you major in or how did you get into genetics? Sounds very interesting. |
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Hungarian Midget Woman
Location: Midwest | I have a bachelors in biology, but I now work in a clinical genetics lab in a hospital. It's an interesting field! |
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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 928
Location: Bigfoot Country | I worked for an equine repro specialist, and yes, it is now possible to sex the semen (I believe they do it at Texas A&M). They can also do genetic testing for a few issues by taking a cell from the embryo before they implant it. While waiting for the results, the embryo is cryogenically preserved to prevent it from growing larger.
This field is growing by leaps and bounds and is very interesting for sure!
To the best of my knowledge, the vet I worked for was the only one in CA doing the intra cytoplasmic sperm injection procedure in 2011 when I worked there. The horse in my profile was the first Quarter horse born in CA using that procedure. (Basically a test tube baby) I own her, and she is very special to me!
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Total Germophobe
Posts: 6437
Location: Montana | Wow, how incredibly interesting. I've been considering getting my degree in biology, in order to go on to vet school, but unsure if that is the right direction for me. However both of your jobs sound incredibly interesting. Thanks for all the info. |
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