|
|
A DNA test for Globoid Cell Leukodystrophy (GCL) in dogs
What is GCL?
A DNA test for GCL
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 GCL, 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 GCL
| |