Yes, Embark's DNA testing services do show inbreeding in dogs. They provide tools and data specifically designed to help owners and breeders understand the genetic relatedness and potential inbreeding within an individual dog.
How Embark Detects and Displays Inbreeding
Embark's analysis goes beyond simple pedigree information to give a detailed genetic picture of a dog's lineage and potential inbreeding. This is achieved through sophisticated DNA analysis that offers specific insights:
- Comparison to Breed-Specific Inbreeding: Embark's testing allows for comparing an individual dog's inbreeding levels against the typical distribution for its specific breed. This helps determine if a dog is more or less inbred than what is generally expected within that breed population. Such a comparison provides valuable context for breeders assessing genetic diversity.
- Visualization of Inbreeding Tracts: Beyond just a numerical value, Embark enables the visualization of "inbreeding tracts." These are specific regions within the dog's genome where identical genetic material has been inherited from both parents, indicating a shared ancestor. Seeing where these tracts are located in the genome helps pinpoint the extent and location of homozygous regions, which can be crucial for understanding potential genetic predispositions.
Understanding Inbreeding with Embark
For breeders, understanding a dog's inbreeding levels is vital for making informed breeding decisions. High levels of inbreeding can potentially lead to a decrease in genetic diversity, which might increase the risk of certain genetic health conditions being expressed if both parents carry the same recessive genes.
By providing clear data on inbreeding, Embark helps:
- Assess Genetic Health Risks: Identify dogs with higher levels of homozygosity, which might indicate an increased risk for recessive genetic diseases.
- Plan Responsible Breeding Pairings: Guide breeders in selecting mates that can help maintain or improve genetic diversity within a line, aiming for healthier offspring.
- Monitor Breed Health: Contribute to a broader understanding of inbreeding levels across a breed, supporting efforts to preserve genetic health for future generations.
In essence, Embark provides comprehensive genetic information that empowers dog owners and breeders to make data-driven decisions regarding health and breeding strategies, with a clear focus on understanding and managing inbreeding.
