Collecting Your DNA Sample
Taking a DNA sample for these tests can be quite tricky, and should only be done by someone familiar with the process. You’ll need to either provide a tail bleed or an ear notch sample. The easiest way to tail bleed livestock is using a vacutainer, but you can also use a needle and syringe. You can take ear notch samples using an approved ear notching tool. When taking samples from many animals, be sure to label them accordingly!
How Fast do the Results Come Back?
You should allow between two and a half to three weeks to receive your results. Occasionally a sample may have to be retested, which can take another 10 days.
What do the Results Include?
You can access your results online, and they should be simple to understand and straightforward.
How Does SEK Genetic Horizons Protect Your Privacy?
Unfortunately, there's no information at all on the website about privacy. You would hope that all your personal information is kept secure, but there’s no guarantee of this.
Matching With Relatives
There’s no way to test for parentage or relationship between samples.
SEK Genetic Horizons’ Prices and Details
One advantage of this provider is that it makes all its costs abundantly clear upfront. Testing for specific genetic disorders can be a little expensive, but generic disease and pregnancy testing are quite affordable.
Summary
SEK Genetic Horizons will be a beneficial service to owners of livestock herds, who want to do bulk tests for certain diseases or disorders. In this area, it excels but offers no other services.
If you were hoping to use a DNA sample to learn more about an animal's traits, behaviors, or inclinations, rather than just diagnosing disease, you’ll need to go to a different provider. For example, Wisdom Panel offers DNA testing for pets that explores breeds, types, varieties, genetic conditions, and traits.
