NEW from AQHA for 2014 and 2015 . . . Five Panel Genetic Testing Required/Mandatory for all breeding stallions, including TBs approved for use in AQHA programs. The five genetic diseases tested for are HYPP, HERDA, PSSM 1, GBED, and MH. Here’s a quote from AQHA concerning the new requirements.
All stallions exposed to 25 or more mares during the 2014 breeding season will be required to have a genetic disease panel test on file with AQHA prior to the registration of their foals resulting from breedings occurring after January 1, 2014. Additionally, the Stud Book and Registration Committee recommended that all stallions will be required to have a genetic disease panel test on file with AQHA prior to the registration of their foals resulting from breedings occurring after January 1, 2015.
At this time, no restrictions on breeding horses that test positive for these diseases have been passed.
AQHA has confirmed to me that Thoroughbred stallions bred to Quarter Horse mares are included in the requirement.
Official testing to meet this requirement is currently only available by ordering it through the AQHA. The testing kit is sent to the stallion owner and the test is performed at the University of California at Davis. Further information is available in this press release from AQHA. The cost is $85.
Some breeders are reporting several week turnaround times with the official AQHA testing.
Since mandatory testing for these genetic diseases is new to the Quarter Horse industry (other than HYPP testing which has been in existence for many years), what are your thoughts on it? Let us know in the comments.
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