Genetic testing company Equinome has released a new test, its Equinome Elite Performance Test v2.0. The test was developed using DNA from over 2,000 Thoroughbreds from Europe, Australasia, South Africa and North America, and it scans 70,000 genetic variants on every horse submitted for analysis.
“The test was developed using modified statistical algorithms that have been so successfully applied to livestock animal breeding,” said Equinome co-founder Emmeline Hill. “Genomic selection has revolutionized the pig, dairy and beef breeding sectors and we expect that, similarly, the Thoroughbred industry will gain significant value from the integration of this major advancement in genomics science.”
The Elite Performance Test utilizes the Equinome Speed Gene genotype to narrow the focus to genes most relevant to sprinters, middle-distance or stayers to produce a Genomic Racing Value. The test also produces a Genomic Breeding Value, determining the number of favorable genetic variants a horse may pass on to its progeny. This year's G1 Irish 1000 Guineas winner Pleascach (Ire) (Teofilo {Ire}), owned, bred and trained by Equinome co-founder Jim Bolger, was found to have a highest-possible Genomic Breeding Value of I. In addition, the Genomic Inbreeding Score identifies the actual level of inbreeding in the genome of a Thoroughbred.
“The new version of Equinome's Elite Performance Test represents another transformative step forward in our understanding of the genes contributing to athletic ability in the Thoroughbred,” said Hill. “Genetics should be recognized as just one of many components that contribute to the development of an elite racehorse, and as the technology continues to develop, genetic information will become increasingly important to maintain a competitive edge.”
Not a subscriber? Click here to sign up for the daily PDF or alerts.