I recently came across the equine genetics research centre. Apparently this has been established by Racing Australia. On their site it states:
“Racing Australia has established the Equine Genetics Research Centre located in Scone NSW in the centre of one of Australia’s premier Thoroughbred horse breeding districts.”
It seems that they focus on the services of DNA profiling, diagnostic tests and also research and development. I have much more to learn in the equine world, but I find physiology fascinating. How things work as well as why is very interesting to me! I have no doubt this particular facility would be a big eye opener.
DNA testing can verify equine parentage. We would do this on the thoroughbred studs I worked on and then microchip foals, based on their DNA and parentage. I know these horses are then scanned at sales to determine what is on the microchip and ultimately, that the horse is the horse it’s supposed to be!
Genetic testing can also be of benefit to identify carriers of known genetic mutations. These can be associated with specific colours and also diseases. Do you know of particular health issues that can be associated to particular breeds or genetics? HYPP comes to mind in some quarter horses / paints. I have heard of Wobbler’s Syndrome being associated with particular genetics/bloodlines.
An Equine Genetics Research Centre
So who would work at an equine genetic research facility? What qualifications would they have? According to their site,
“In 2017, Dr Natasha Hamilton, an equine geneticist, was recruited from the University of Sydney to head the new laboratory. Soon after, Dominique Dolgener agreed to become the manager. Recent Bachelor of Science graduates Taelor Mackenzie and Emalyn Batley make up the team as Technical Officers. This team combines specialities in equine research and excellent technical laboratory skills with a passion for horses.”
This place opened in April 2018. I love that setups like this or new initiatives are consistently coming into play in the equine industry! Perhaps you have a passion for genetics as well as horses. What’s to stop you from working towards gaining employment/a career in a facility like this?
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