Thinking of breeding my mare. What if any genetic tests besides WFFS should be done, and what is the best way to have them done?
I guess if you want to spend the money and care about what colors the foal could possibly be you could get that tested when you send in the hair sample for WFFS. Some people think it is a big plus that a mare is genetically unable to have a chestnut foal. I personally love a bright copper colored coat. Also you could test for PSSM1. I am not sure if that is a hair test or a blood test. I am not aware of other conditions a warmblood mare could possibly have if she does not have Arab or Quarter Horse blood. The PSSM2 test is still not proven.
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PSSM1 is a hair test, and absolutely test for that. UC Davis and Animal Genetics I think both do that. Instructions are on their sites, no need for any vet involvement.
You COULD send hair to EquiSec for PSSM2 testing, but like SusanO said, it’s not proven, and so far doesn’t line up with any proven positive muscle biopsies. You can’t do a muscle biopsy for Type 2 if there aren’t symptoms, unfortunately.
How old is she? Is she a very easy keeper? You could test for insulin resistance, as there is likely a genetic component, but if she’s a bit older and is in good condition, may not be worth it.
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Thank you!
She is older, 13. She is an easy keeper, but Knock wood, no major health issues. One vet I had thought she might have genetic uveitis but it seems to be just seasonal allergies.
I might test for Squamous Cell Carcinoma. I’ve known a few horses that had that.
Is there a genetic test for SCC?
I just looked it up and there is. Recommended breeds are Belgian, Haflinger, Rocky Mountain Horse, Connemara Pony, Holsteiner, Belgian Warmblood from the UC Davis website. I think I will pass on that since she doesn’t have any of those breeds in her lines, but I appreciate the suggestion.
Ah, cool, so it’s a test for the eye version. Interesting!
Holsteiner and Belgian WBs aren’t really “breeds” with BWP being more open than Holsteiner. I wonder how they determined Belgian, when a BWP-registered foal could be the product of parents registered as another “breed”, and another registry foal could be the product of 2 BWP parents
Belgian, and Belgian Warmblood are both listed 
