There are numerous forms of genetic and DNA testing available through various labs. The Myotonic Goat Registry, as of February 2026, has decided to utilize SNP testing through UC Davis’ Veterinary Genetics Laboratory. It is mandatory for all offspring born of Embryo Transfers or Artificial Insemination. DNA testing is an important tool for Myotonic goat owners and breeders. It helps confirm parentage, supports accurate registration, and provides a reliable genetic record for your herd.
SNP Testing
DNA testing using single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analysis is a comprehensive DNA analysis. SNP analysis represents a modern and advanced type of marker analysis widely utilized in the genetic industry. SNP offers many benefits including accurate parentage verification and genomic predictors of tested animals. It is possible to use the SNP genetic data towards genomic improvement. However, this requires extensive genetic and phenotypic data collection and research to determine the best markers to use and can take several years to achieve.
SNP Testing (Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms)
SNPs are single-letter changes in DNA—for example, a goat may have a C or a T at a particular spot in the genome. Because each SNP has only two possible forms, more SNP markers are needed to identify animals with the same level of confidence as Short Tandem Repeats (STR).
How Parentage Verification Works
Every goat receives one copy of each genetic marker from its dam and one from its sire. DNA testing compares the markers of the offspring with those of the possible parents.
A simple example:
- If the kid has markers A and B
- And the dam has A and C
→ The dam contributed A, so the sire must contribute B. - If a possible sire does not have a B, he is excluded.
Key points: - Submitting the offspring, dam, and all potential sires at the same time gives the highest accuracy.
- Exclusions are 100% accurate.
- When both parents are tested, qualifications can be up to 99% accurate.
- Accuracy drops below 95% when only one parent is tested.
- If two sires qualify, VGL will run additional markers at no extra cost to determine the correct parent.
Cost
From Lab:
• $50/sample for SNP panel genotyping
• $9/sample for Parentage by SNP genotypes
Prices can change from year to year. Be sure to check UC Davis Genetic Laboratory Program for the most up-to-date pricing.
From MGR:
• $8.00 to update existing MGR registration certificate (be sure to include MGR Correction Form and MGR SNP Verification Form)
• $5.00 upcharge upon initial registration (be sure to include MGR SNP Verification Form)
Example: $15.00 online registration plus $5.00 SNP verification recording = $20.00 initial registration application
- VGL’s primary SNP panel for goats includes 194 markers.
- The older STR panel of genetic testing only uses 16 markers for each goat.
- SNP technology is more modern and can support future genomic improvement programs, though this requires long-term research and large data sets.
Ready to Order SNP Testing?
You can order Myotonic goat SNP tests directly through the UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory. Their site provides instructions, forms, pricing, and shipping details.