DNA testing ‘an essential tool for wildlife industry’

Genetics was a tool that should be used by the South African wildlife industry in the same way it was used in the livestock industry, according to Dr Munro Marx, head of Unistel Medical Laboratories.

DNA testing ‘an essential tool for wildlife industry’
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Genetics was a tool that should be used by the South African wildlife industry in the same way it was used in the livestock industry, according to Dr Munro Marx, head of Unistel Medical Laboratories.

Speaking at the 2018 Aldam Game School near Ventersburg, he said knowledge gained from DNA testing was a valuable tool in game improvement programmes: “Since an animal’s genetic make-up is coded in its DNA, it is a logical decision to embrace DNA testing.”

It could happen that, for instance, the dominant bull in a buffalo herd was less fertile than other bulls.

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“They are often not as dominant as they seem and they are also not as fertile as one would expect. DNA testing is therefore of utmost importance to identify breeding males with breeding excellence,” said Marx.

Variation was the common denominator in selection, he said. Genotypic differences were expressed as phenotypic variation.

In order to determine genotype, DNA testing was needed. DNA profile analysis was essential for individual animal identification, traceability and the verification of parentage.

Traceability was particularly valuable in forensic cases and for insurance purposes. DNA testing was vital to eliminate unwanted traits and to determine subspecies.

“The decision to make use of DNA allows the wildlife industry to breed superior animals to ensure a sustainable future,” said Marx.

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Annelie Coleman represents Farmer’s Weekly in the Free State, North West and Northern Cape. Agriculture is in her blood. She grew up on a maize farm in the Wesselsbron district where her brother is still continuing with the family business. Annelie is passionate about the area she works in and calls it ‘God’s own country’. She’s particularly interested in beef cattle farming, especially with the indigenous African breeds. She’s an avid reader and owns a comprehensive collection of Africana covering hunting in colonial Africa, missionary history of same period, as well as Rhodesian literature.