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A DNA test for Copper Toxicosis in Bedlington Terriers
Copper Toxicosis.
A DNA-test for CT in the Bedlington Terrier.
Breeds at risk.
Breeding policy.
Most important is the control of hereditary disorders in breeding programmes. In order to
reduce the frequency of a genetic defect or eliminate it altogether, the further spread of the
mutant gene has to be prevented. When we find an inherited disorder in our population (in our
breed), especially when the frequency of affected animals is quite high, most of us would want
to exclude all animals that carry the defective allele on the shortest possible term. That's not
always the best thing to do. Eliminating all affected animals and all carriers from our breeding
programmes in just one generation might result in a tremendous reduction of the breed's gene
pool, which could cause an enormous increase of the level of inbreeding. As a consequence
problems with the vitality of the population would increase and we probably would see outbreaks
of other genetic disorders.
Each dog with the defective allele has many good and important genes that may be worthwhile to
preserve in the population. Selection programmes should be carried out slowly and carefully,
taking a sufficient number of generations to prevent overselection. That is where the breeders'
organizations should take their responsibility towards their breeds. With the availability of a
DNA test for disorders like Copper Toxicosis, selection programmes can be extended to the number
of generations needed to make sure that no harm is done to the breed's gene pool.
Testing for CT.
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