RACING AUSTRALIA ANNUAL REPORT 2021 15 EQUINE GENETICS RESEARCH CENTRE (EGRC) The EGRC maintained its performance in the 2020/21 financial year despite the ongoing impacts of Covid-19. Turnaround times were well under one week for parentage verification samples. The numbers of tests performed in 2020/21 are shown right. Services to nearly 30 non-Thoroughbred breed associations included DNA profiling, parentage verification and testing for DNA mutations that cause genetic diseases or are related to specific coat colours and patterns. The EGRC has expanded the variety of genetic tests offered to non-Thoroughbred breeders – two new tests for genetic disease and nine new coat colour tests have been developed. The EGRC now tests for 14 genetic diseases and 15 colour patterns. Standard DNA analysis in horses is usually performed on hair cells found at the pulled ends of mane or tail hairs. However, the EGRC also offers DNA testing of nonstandard samples including equine blood, semen and muscle. Forensic services include analysis of samples such as blood clots and plasma for integrity purposes. The EGRC has maintained its reputation as a world leader in the field of equine gene doping detection with Dr Natasha Hamilton (EGRC Director) appointed the Chair of the newly formed International Horse Sports Confederation Gene Doping Expert Committee. This Committee has been formed to allow exchange of information on gene doping related matters between the IFHA (which promotes Thoroughbred racing internationally) and the Fédération Equestre Internationale (the international governing body of equestrian sports). Dr Hamilton continues to Chair the IFHA Gene Doping Control Sub-Committee and presented at the International Horse Genome Workshop (Virtual) Conference in August 2021. The EGRC continues to develop new types of tests to support horse owners into 2021/22 and is looking forward to the lifting of Covid-19 restrictions which have limited outreach opportunities in the past year. Dr. Natasha Hamilton Equine Genetics Research Centre Director NUMBER OF TESTS PROCESSED IN 2020/21 Australian Thoroughbreds Parentage verified 11,984 Imported and local Thoroughbreds DNA profiled for identity purposes 1,410 Non-Thoroughbred Parentage verification or DNA profiled 4,761 Non-Thoroughbred genetic testing Number of horses 1,466 Non-Thoroughbred genetic testing Number of tests 4,212 Total DNA tests performed 22,367 Average turnaround time for DNA profiling tests 4.4 days Average turnaround time for genetic tests 4.8 days The EGRC has maintained its reputation as a world leader in the field of equine gene doping detection.
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