The application of DNA technology in Animal Forensic and Parentage Determination

Presented by: Ms. N. Mapholi (MSc in Genetics)

ARC-API: Animal Genetics Lab• Animal forensics in livestock and game poaching• Cattle and horse DNA profiling and Parentage

Determination• Species Identification on meat and process meat• Genetic Characterization• Genetic Defects tests• LIDCAT system• Gene mapping and linkage studies

Technologies

1. Genotyping– Microsatellites marker panels– Species specifics panels

2. Real time PCR – Primer designed kits– SNPs assays

FORENSIC WORK

Stock theft and poaching• Microsatellites markers

– Link the crime scene and the suspect DNA evidences obtained

– Parentage dispute cases– Different marker panels

• Bovine, Horse, Ovine, Goat, Porcine, Buffalo, Impala, Kudu, Wildebeest, Eland, Sable, Rhino and Blesbok

3130xL

Chain of custody

Herd of sheep Crime scene New case

DNA SamplesThermal cyclerGene scan DNA extract

Results Interpretation

JudgementJail

CourtDNA Report

Parentage dispute• DNA samples from both parents and calf• Alleged mothers and dispute calf • It is important to take note that in the

absence of either parent (bull or cow) paternity cannot be proven.

• Only when both parents are analyzed it can be proven beyond doubt that the parents are the real biological parents of the offspring in question

Parentage disputeCow 1 Cow 2

Calf 1?

Inclusion/ exclusion as possible mothers

…

Hair Samples PCR tubes PCR tray

Genetic analyzer PCR machine

Procedure of sampling hair

DNA profiling

• Service rendered to the breed societies and stud breeders for bovine and horses

• DNA profiling certificates are issued• Parentage determination for breeding and

selection purpose• Buffalo DNA profiling – this is new and still

building the database

Real Time PCR• DNA based technology• Species identification on meat and processed

meat products – biltong, wors, patties, sausages, mince meat,

Vienna• Species specific primer designed kits• SNP Assays for genetic defects tests in

bovine and porcine – Dexter chondodysplasia and Malignant

hyperthermia

Genetic characterization

• Most of livestock species haven been characterized in our lab using microsatellites markers

• Several multiplexes have been developed and optimized in our lab

LIDCAT DATABASE

• Lidcat package – for tail hair collection

Information needed on LIDCAT system

• Animal ID (ear tag number)• Species (cattle)• Breed (Nguni)• Gender (female or male)• Name of the owner (Olivia Mapholi)• Postal address of owner• Contact numbers

Contact detailsMs. Olivia Mapholi

Tel : 012 672 9027/ 9008/ 9187Fax: 012 672 9214

Email: ntanga@arc.agric.za jill@arc.agric.za

Thank you

Any questions?