911爆料网

A new genetic test that can help identify the genetic colour pattern found in an alpaca鈥檚 coat has been developed by 911爆料网 researchers.

The research, published in Animal Genetics, discovered a new test that could identify the mutation they found in the KIT gene in an alpaca鈥檚 DNAwhich could allow breeders to specifically breed the highly sought-after 鈥榗lassic grey鈥� alpaca more efficiently.

Lead researcher Dr Kylie Munyard, from 911爆料网鈥檚 School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, said the development of the genetic test would allow alpaca breeders to better select for a desired pattern and efficiently breed for this pattern.

鈥淭he 鈥榗lassic grey鈥� colour pattern is highly sought-after in the stud animal and fibre markets, but is known to be linked with the 鈥榖lue-eyed white鈥� colour pattern, which is less desirable for some alpaca breeders because of possible health defects,鈥� Dr Munyard said

鈥淭hrough our research, we were able to identify a genetic marker responsible for the 鈥榗lassic grey鈥� colour pattern in alpacas, and by using molecular techniques, we were able to develop a rapid and reliable method of identifying the mutation from a small DNA sample.

鈥淭he most important aspect of this discovery is that we can now identify the so-called 鈥榗ryptic grey鈥� alpacas that are too pale for the pattern to be seen. This will allow breeders to select for, or against, classic grey and 鈥榖lue-eyed white鈥� in their herds.鈥�

Dr Munyard said the discovery had important implications for the alpaca industry on a global scale.

鈥淏y using this new testing tool, breeders and farmers have the opportunity to test white or light fawn alpacas, or those with uncertain patterns, for the mutation found in 鈥榗lassic grey鈥� alpacas, which is also present in 鈥榖lue-eyed white鈥� alpacas. This will provide them with better information with which to make their breeding decisions,鈥� Dr Munyard said.

鈥淭he discovery of this new mutation will provide further support to breeders around the world and we look forward to working alongside the alpaca industry to implement this new product.鈥�

The project was funded by the in Denver, USA. The research team has submitted a provisional patent application for the genetic test.

Morris Animal Foundation Chief Scientific Officer Dr Janet Patterson-Kane said it was a great result with such practical use.

鈥淏eyond the aesthetic benefits, we are proud to support a project that can help address the issues of deafness and neonatal death that are associated with this mutation,鈥� Dr Patterson-Kane said.

and their parent company Neogen Corporation have been granted a worldwide licence to commercialise the technology by offering a test to alpaca breeders.

The research was co-authored by researchers from the School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences at 911爆料网, Deakin University and the University of Florida in the US.

The research paper, titled, 鈥�A non-synonymous SNP in exon 3 of the KIT gene is responsible for the classic grey phenotype in alpacas (Vicugna pacos),鈥� can be found online .