*** The ICB Breeder Tool is under development. It uses the DNA analyses produced by Embark Vet, which you can download for your dog from their website. For most breeds, the data are incomplete, and we will update as that information becomes available. The Test Mating Module is not live yet, but should be available soon.
The ICB Breeder Tool provide information about the genetic status of a breed, as well as tools for mate selection using data from DNA analyses produced by Embark Vet.
It is designed to use the data produced by Embark Vet, which is the most accurate acommercially available through Embark Vet . It uses the tools of genomics and population genetics to produce analyses that provide the most comprehensive summary of breed and individual genetics available anywhere. These data and analyses form the backbone of a comprehensive program of genetic management for your breed.
The ICB Breeder Tool is based on the cutting-edge technology of SNP (single-nucleotide polymorphism) analysis using the Illumina CanineHD Whole-genome Genotyping BeadChip. The most recent version of the BeadChip provides information about > 200,000 markers distributed over all 38 chromosomes. This is the “gold standard” analysis platform that is used by most canine researchers around the world.
The goals of a genetic management program are breed preservation and individual health. At the core of the ICB Breeder Tool are the components for a comprehensive program of genetic management.
The ICB Breeder Tool uses the same standarized analytical tools as those used by conservation geneticists and genomic researchers. This means that the information here for dogs can be compared to and even combined with data and analyses produced elsewhere in previous studies as well as in the future.
The tool provides the essential information needed for mate selection and genetic management of a breed or population:
The ICB Breeder Tool incorporates these components into modules that summarize the relevant information. You can view them in a workflow or access them individually if you need specific information.
The best way to become familiar with the ICB Breeder Tool is to work through the Tutorial, which uses data for an actual breed. You will be able to review the basic functions of the Breeding Tool (sort, filter, etc) to provide information about your breed or a particular dog. An interactive Test Mating module is under construction; if you would like to do a test mating before it is available, we would be happy to generate the relevant information offline and provide it to you.
We can accept raw data files produced by any laboratory using the Illumina CanineHD BeadChip for analysis.
If you wish to add your own dog to the database, we recommend you use Embark Vet for DNA analysis. They are affiliated with the Cornell University School of Veterinary Medicine and offer research-quality analysis. We believe they offer the best value available to the individual dog owner as well as excellent customer support. Their analysis includes high-density DNA genotyping, mutation testing, inbreeding, identification of mitochondrial DNA and Y chromosome haplotypes, and DLA diversity. You can order a DNA kit from them and submit a cheek swab for analysis. You will be able to download your results and the DNA raw data file from them. You can simply email those files to us to be added to our database. We can accept data for any breed. If you need only genotyping without the mutation tests, we can arrange for analysis at about $110 per dog.
Basic analyses will be available for any number of dogs with no minimum (e.g., inbreeding, mtDNA and Y chromosome, DLA diversity). Statistics based on population data will require 30-100 samples, depending on the genetic characteristics of the breed (e.g., genetic diversity, subpopulations). Contact us to discuss the number of samples that will be needed for your breed.
Submission of samples to the database is FREE.
The ICB Breeder Tool was created by the Institute of Canine Biology and is run under the advisement of PhD biologists from around the world that have expertise in canine genetics and genomics, population genetics, and animal breeding.
The ICB Breeder Tool has been under development for several years, and we are continuing with improvements and additions on a regular basis. We want it to serve your needs, so please send us your feedback, suggestions, and questions. We would love to hear from you!
Information about the basic information about genetic status of breeds will freely available to anyone with an internet connection. Access to the Mate Selection Module of the breeder tool will be by subscription.
Questions? Contact us!
Last updated: 18 November 2018
– Breeder Tool Tour v2.0 -notes
– Breeder Tool Tour v2.0 (nov18)