FAQ

FAQ
How is the CombiBreed Coefficient of Inbreeding calculated?

It is important to know that the COI value is an indication of inbreeding; it is not an exact science. The method we use to calculate the inbreeding coefficient is a generally recognized scientific method also used by other laboratories (for more information, see COI).

However, the specific positions (SNP markers) used by a lab may differ between laboratories, which can result in final values differing from each other while the applied method remains the same. Therefore, it is very important that the COI values issued by us are only compared with other COI values issued by us. The same applies to the COI values from other laboratories; these should only be compared with other COI values issued by the same laboratory.

What is a Coefficient of Inbreeding (COI)?
COI

The Coefficient of Inbreeding (COI) in dogs is a numerical measure that quantifies the probability of two copies of the same gene being inherited from a common ancestor. In simpler terms, it reflects how closely related the parents of a dog are within their family tree. A higher COI indicates a higher likelihood of the dog inheriting identical genes from both parents, which can lead to an increased risk of passing
on genetic disorders or health issues.

Light blue – All breeds
Dark blue – Breed specific
Red – Your dog

*In case there is an insufficient amount of animals for your specific breed, only a comparison with all breeds will be shown.

What is diversity/heterozygosity?
Heterozygosity

Heterozygosity in dogs refers to the genetic situation where a dog inherits two different alleles (gene variants) for a specific trait or gene locus from its parents. This genetic diversity contributes to the variation seen in physical traits, behaviors, and health among individual dogs and different breeds. Maintaining a certain level of heterozygosity is important in breeding programs to avoid an excessive accumulation of harmful recessive traits and promote overall genetic health within dog populations.

Light blue – All breeds
Dark blue – Breed specific
Red – Your dog

*In case there is an insufficient amount of animals for your specific breed, only a comparison with all breeds will be shown.

I ordered an ASCA Parentage Verification test, does CombiBreed share the test results with ASCA?

Certagen GmbH in Germany, part of the VHLGenetics Group, performs the analysis for the ASCA outside the USA and takes care on the transmission of genotypes and results to the ASCA. Please be aware that breeders/owners have to provide the data of offspring and parents (name and ASCA registration number) when placing the order in the CombiBreed webshop. Orders with incomplete data cannot be processed by ASCA.

I live outside the Netherlands, would it be possible to receive the buccal swabs with courier delivery?

For customers living outside the Netherlands it is possible to receive the buccal swabs by courier delivery for an additional charge. Please send your request to info@vhlgenetics.com.

Do you have an example of the result report of the Breed Identification test for dogs?

Our Breed Identification test for dogs (test number H691) is only available in English. Click here for an example of the result report

I do have a question about the coat colour or coat pattern of my dog, cat or horse. Can you answer my question?

The inheritance of coat colours and coat patterns is complicated. In the knowledgebase we provide more information about these traits. In case your question is not answered by the information in the knowledgebase, please do send an e-mail with your question including a clear picture of the animal and (if possible) his/her parents to info@vhlgenetics.com.

Do you offer Breed Identification tests for horses or cats?

Unfortunately we are yet not able to offer reliable Breed Identification tests for horses or cats. We do offer Breed Identification tests for dogs.

Would it be possible to receive a copy of the results?

In case you need a copy of the test results, we can send this to you by e-mail as a .pdf-document. We do charge a fee for this. Please send an e-mail to info@vhlgenetics.com with your request.

In case you did not order the original test yourself, we need permission of the original applicant to send you a copy of the test results.

How do I submit a sample?

The samples can be submitted in a, preferably protective, envelope (e.g. bubble wrap). Please submit the samples together with a printed version of the order confirmation for the fastest processing. In case you are not able to print the order confirmation, please do add a separate note with the order number.

I have difficulties interpretating test results, where can I find more information?

We aim to provide as much information as possible at the result report as well as in the test specifications to aid you in interpretating the test results. Some hereditary traits or disorders have a more complicated inheritance, you can find more information about these traits and disorders in the knowledgebase. In case you still face difficulties interpretating the test results, please contact us by e-mail or telephone.

I did not receive sufficient buccal swabs for the amount of tests I ordered, what should I do?

In general one buccal swab per animal is enough, even if you ordered more than one DNA test. We extract the DNA from the buccal swab, which results in enough DNA to perform various DNA tests. After placement of an order in the CombiBreed webshop you will automatically receive the needed amount of buccal swabs, this is at least one buccal swab per animal. In case you did receive less than one buccal swab per animal, please contact us to receive additional swabs.

I do get an error when creating an account or ordering at the CombiBreed webshop, what should I do?

Please contact us by telephone or e-mail in case you have any doubts or trouble creating an account or placing an order.

I would like to order a test for an animal which DNA is already present in your laboratory, is this possible?

In general it is possible to order a(n) additional test(s) for an animal which DNA is already present in our laboratory, without sending a new sample. In case you would like to use this option, order your new or additional DNA test in the CombiBreed webshop and send your request by e-mail to info@vhlgenetics.com. Please do state the current and (if possible former) order number(s) and animal data in your e-mail. In some cases not enough sample is left to perform additional test(s). You will receive an e-mail with information whether or not we can use the animal’s available DNA.

In case you are not the person who ordered the original DNA test for which the animal’s DNA was sent to our laboratory, we also need permission of the original applicant.

Please note that the order status in your online account will display ‘Waiting for sample’ when performing a DNA test on previously available material, you will receive the test result by e-mail.

I received too much sample material, should I return these?

In case you received more sample material than you need (e.g. you decided to test less animals than originally ordered) or if you still had sample material available from earlier orders, you do not have to return the left over sample material to us.
When using sample material which you still have available, please do make sure that the swabs you use are our Copan swabs and they are not expired.

How do I order buccal swabs or other sample material?

When ordering a DNA test in the CombiBreed webshop you will automatically receive the amount of buccal swabs needed for your order by mail. In case you would like to receive collection bags for hair samples, please contact us. For some tests a blood sample is needed, the regular collection tubes of your veterinarian can be used for this.

What should I take into account when ordering a parentage verification test?

When purchasing a parentage verification test, please take the following additional information into account.

We offer 3 different tests for both STR and SNP:
– Parental verification (both parents are verified)
– Maternity verification (only the mother is verified)
– Paternity verification (only the father is verified)

With above tests, we generate a DNA profile of the offspring and compare this with the DNA profiles of the possible parent animals. To be able to do this it is important that we VHLGenetics is in the possession of the DNA profiles of all possible parent animals. Please be aware that DNA profiles with STR can only be compared with STR, DNA profiles with SNP can only be compared with SNP. So please make sure that all DNA profiles (possible parent animals and offspring) are carried out in either STR or SNP.

There are three possible situations:
1) The parent animal(s) do not yet have a DNA profile
In order to carry out the parentage verification, please also order a DNA profile for the parent animal(s). Each possible parent animal without a DNA profile needs their own DNA profile to be ordered. For dogs test number H205, H215, H225 or H255 (depending on if STR, SNP or both are needed), for cats test number K205 and for horses test number P205.

2) The DNA profiles of the possible parent animals are already known in our database
In order to use these DNA profiles, we need permission from the applicant/owner of the DNA profile, this is the sender of the original sample. Please provide us with all necessary information (name, chip number, order number, permission, etc.) for each possible parent animal in our database by sending an e-mail to info@vhlgenetics.com stating the order number of the parentage verification.

3) The DNA profile is known but not in our database
We would like to receive the DNA profile of the possible parent animal(s) so we can carry out the parentage verification, at this moment this is only possible for STR DNA profiles (not for SNP DNA profiles). You can send the STR DNA profile by e-mail to info@vhlgenetics.com stating the order number of the parentage verification.

Carrying out a parentage verification can be unnecessarily delayed without the DNA profiles of the parent animals. So make sure that all data is known to us and/or ordered in the webshop.

How do I file a complaint?

If you are not satisfied with our services, please send an email to info@vhlgenetics.com. You will receive a response from us within 5 working days. We would like to receive as much information as possible that relates to the complaint, such as your order number.

What is the difference between the genetic and serological tests for blood type?

Genetic test K793 identifies recessive b alleles which are associated with blood type B. By analysing these mutations together, it is possible to predict the type B blood type in cats.
Genetic test K300, available for Ragdolls, identifies the AB allele and is associated with type AB blood in Ragdoll cats.

Another method to identify cat blood types, is serology. This method does not give information about the genetic background in a direct way and is therefore not suitable to use as a solely method when making breeding choices. Serologic blood typing is mainly used for blood transfusions and can only be performed on whole blood (EDTA or Heparin).

More information regarding cat blood types and which tests to use can be found in the knowledgebase.

What is a serotype and why should I test it?

For cats different kinds of blood types exist, of which the AB-system is the most important one. In this system, cats can have an A, B or AB blood type, also called serotypes.

The cat’s immune system produces antibodies that attack cells from other serotypes; e.g. a cat with blood type A produces antibodies against blood type B, and a cat with blood type B produces antibodies against Serotype A. This means that a cat cannot receive a blood transfusion from a cat with another blood type, as this will cause a dangerous and possibly fatal reaction. This is also the case when kittens with blood type A drink milk from a blood type B mother. It is therefore important to match donor and recipient blood types when performing a blood transfusion and to ensure that breeding pairs will result in kittens with the same serotype as their mother.

More information regarding cat blood types and which tests to use can be found in the knowledgebase.

When and where can I expect the result(s)?

The processing time may differ per test. For most test the processing time is 10 working days, starting at arrival of the sample in our laboratory in Wageningen, the Netherlands. Tests that are performed in external laboratories often have a processing time of 20 working days after arrival of the sample in Wageningen. When ordering tests in the CombiBreed webshop, the processing time is displayed at the test specifications.

You can find the current status of your order and the results at ‘My orders’ in your personal account in the CombiBreed webshop. You will also be kept informed of the status of your order(s) by e-mail. If more than one test has been requested, a partial report will be made when at least half of all tests have a definitive result.

Please note that the order status in your online account will display ‘Waiting for sample’ when performing an additional DNA test on previously available material, in these cases you will receive the test result by e-mail.

What is an ‘External Patent Lab’ test?

An ‘External Patent Lab’ test is performed by the patent holder. One reason may be that this party has developed the test itself and has applied for a patent. As a result, other labs in the region, like VHLGenetics/CombiBreed, are not allowed to perform this test in their own laboratory. The processing time of an External Patent Lab test depends on the location of the patent holder’s laboratory and the chances of delays during transportation. When ordering tests in the CombiBreed webshop, the processing time is displayed.

CombiBreed takes care of the mediation between you as a customer and the external laboratory. In this case, CombiBreed cannot be held liable for the behaviour of the client and/or contractor.

What is parentage verification?

A parentage verification is a comparison of the hereditary information (the DNA profile) of the offspring with both parent animals, giving reliable information whether the animal indeed is offspring of the parent animals or not.

We determine the DNA profile of the offspring and compare this with the DNA profiles of the (possible) parent animals to verify if the offspring’s DNA is a combination of the DNA of both parent animals. To get a reliable result, we need to compare the DNA profile of all possible parents. Please make sure that VHLGenetics is in the possession of the DNA profiles of all possible parent animals.

A DNA profile or parentage verification does not provide information about genetic traits or disorders.

More information regarding DNA profiles and parentage verification can be found in the knowledgebase and in the FAQ.

What is a DNA profile?

Every animal has its own hereditary information, this hereditary information is stored in the animal’s DNA. This information is used to establish a DNA profile, a DNA code unique for each animal. A DNA profile does not provide information about genetic traits or disorders.

Because large variation is present in the DNA, it is almost not possible that two randomly selected individuals have identical DNA-profiles. Each individual will have his or her own DNA, which will differ on one or more points from other individuals. One exception on this are identical twins or clones, which have completely identical DNA profiles.

More information regarding DNA profiles and parentage verification can be found in the knowledgebase.

How do you help me with my animal’s health?

CombiBreed helps to improve the animals health by providing genetic information of individual animals. The genetic information consist of DNA tests that provide more information over the genetic background, genetic disorders and genetic traits.  This genetic information helps breeders to implement a sustainable breeding policy, preventing a genetic disorder from being passed on in the breeding line. Veterinarians can use this information when guiding breeders, but also when giving advice about preventative medicine. Some DNA tests can help in diagnosing certain disorders (diagnostic DNA tests).

Why are some tests breed dependent?

Some tests are breed dependent because not all breeds share the same genetic background, this means that some mutations do occur in certain breeds and some do not.

Validation of a test for a certain breed is based on:

  • Scientific publications: Scientists link variation in DNA to disorders or traits. A mutation is recognised by comparing the symptoms of a disorder or trait with variation in the DNA. This normally leads to publication in scientific articles. Often these articles are based on a single or only a few breeds.
  • Other breeds: Mutations described and validated in one breed can also occur in other breeds. Laboratories and scientists recognise this, but often do not publish this in scientific articles.

If the result of a DNA test indicates that an animal is no carrier of a certain mutation, this is no guarantee that this animal will never develop the disorder or the characteristic. Some disorders can also be caused without a genetic component and the existence of unknown mutations can never be ruled out.

When the result of a DNA test indicates that an animal is affected (or carrier in case of dominant mutations) of a mutation, this is normally the basis for assuming that an animal will develop the disease or trait.

The person requesting the DNA test is responsible for the decision whether he / she wants to have a test carried out based on above information.

Is it possible to make (price) agreements?

As a (breed)association it is possible to make agreements with our laboratories and to offer the members of the association a discount for various DNA tests. In certain cases we can offer a breeder or owner a discount based on the supply of a large number of samples. Please contact us if you or your (breed)association is interested.

How do I submit blood?

When submitting blood we would like to receive at least 1mL of EDTA or Heparin blood. Click here for more information regarding sample materials and collection instructions.

What material can I submit for a DNA test?

Various sample materials can be submitted to investigate the animal’s DNA. In the webshop it is stated per DNA test which material can be sent in. Swabs and blood are the most submitted samples for dogs and cats, hair and blood are the most submitted samples for horses.
Click here for more information regarding sample materials and collection instructions.

What is a Witness Sampling Statement?

We offer the option of using a ‘Witness Sampling Statement’. For this option you should make sure that a witness (e.g. veterinarian) is present during the collection of the DNA sample. The identity of the animal is checked by the witness by means of, for example, chip number, and stated and confirmed on the ‘Witness Sampling Statement’ form.

The form ‘Witness Sampling Statement’ is available as a PDF document in the last step of the ordering process. There are costs involved using this form. The form can be added to your order during the ordering process and 1 form per animal is needed. Please sent the form alongside the sample and the printed order confirmation.

What is the status of my order?

You can find the current status of your order and the results at ‘My orders’ in your personal account in the CombiBreed webshop. You will also be kept informed of the status of your order(s) by e-mail.

Please note that the order status in your online account will display ‘Waiting for sample’ when performing an additional DNA test on previously available material, you will receive the test result by e-mail.

What does result ’Sample quality/Monsterkwaliteit’ mean?

The result ’Sample quality/Monsterkwaliteit’ can be stated on the result report. This means that the quality of the sample has been insufficient and therefore no result or not all results are reported. Since new DNA is needed, a new sample needs to be collected. You will receive new sample material free of charge, the retest(s) will be performed with no additional costs.

What is a retest?

We believe it is important that we provide DNA results of the highest quality. If a test does not meet our quality requirements, the test will be redone at our expense. You will be informed if your order has to be retested. Unfortunately the processing time increases, but this will give the most accurate result of the ordered DNA test. If more than one test has been requested, a partial report will be made when at least half of all tests have a definitive result.

Is a sample collected with a buccal swab as reliable as a blood sample?

DNA obtained from a buccal swab is just as reliable as the DNA that is obtained from a blood sample. Sometimes a sample does not meet our quality requirements and therefore it is not possible to extract enough DNA from the sample. In that case, we always request you to submit a new sample. Since sample collection is the most important step in DNA collection and extraction, please click here for more information regarding sample materials and collection instructions.

Title