Multitasking: genetic test and animal ID tool

In just a few short years, commercially available genetic tests have expanded their scope exponentially — from a single test that could identify a single marker to multiple markers using a single test.

Researchers at Merial are developing a new test that can assay for up to 90 genetic markers in one sample. In addition, when a sample is taken from a calf and kept on file, the test can be used to verify the identity of that animal and its movements throughout its life — and into the food chain following processing. This has significant ramifications for animal tracking and traceability in a national animal ID system. The new test should become commercially available within the next few months.

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