A novel 13-plex STR typing system for individual identification and parentage testing of donkeys (Equus asinus).
Authors: Dang W, Shang S, Zhang X, Yu Y, Irwin D M, Wang Z, Zhang S
Journal: Equine veterinary journal
Summary
# Editorial Summary Parentage verification and individual identification in donkeys have traditionally relied on horse-specific genetic marker panels, but these systems generate problematic null alleles and mis-amplifications in the donkey genome. In 2017, the International Society for Animal Genetics established a standardised 13-marker short tandem repeat (STR) panel specifically for donkeys (comprising AHT4, ASB23, HMS2, HMS3, HMS6, HMS7, HMS18, HTG7, HTG10, TKY297, TKY312, TKY337 and TKY343), yet no commercially available multiplex system encompassing all 13 loci had been developed. Dang and colleagues validated the first single multiplex typing system capable of amplifying all 13 ISAG-recommended STR markers simultaneously in donkey populations, eliminating the cross-species amplification issues that plagued previous horse-derived assays. This standardised approach enables accurate individual identification and reliable parentage testing across donkey breeding programmes, supporting compliance with breed registry requirements and facilitating genetic management in conservation breeding efforts.
Read the full abstract on PubMed
Practical Takeaways
- •Practitioners involved in donkey breeding programs now have access to a validated multiplex system for accurate parentage verification and individual identification
- •Horse-specific STR panels should not be used for donkey genetic testing due to allele detection issues; the ISAG 13-plex donkey-specific system is the recommended standard
- •This system enables reliable genetic diversity assessment and pedigree management in donkey populations
Key Findings
- •A novel 13-plex STR typing system was developed containing all 13 ISAG-recommended dinucleotide STRs for donkeys (AHT4, ASB23, HMS2, HMS3, HMS6, HMS7, HMS18, HTG7, HTG10, TKY297, TKY312, TKY337, TKY343)
- •Previous horse-specific multiplex systems had mis-allele and null-allele issues when applied to donkeys, requiring a donkey-specific system
- •This is the first single multiplex STR typing system reported that includes all 13 ISAG core panel markers for donkey identification and parentage testing