Interest in obtaining the genetic profile of various animals (dogs, cats, cows, horses ...) is growing every day for reasons such as controlling affiliations and verification of pedigrees, traceability of animals and their products, identification of genes referred to economically important traits, as well productive as susceptibility or resistance to diseases, genetic food authentication ...

The quality of the Unit of Sequencing and Genotyping of the General Research Services (SGIker) for the conduct of such trials is guaranteed by international societies for genetic analysis through participation in numerous external exercises for quality control and approval for genotyping of animals (Comparison Tests of the International Society of Animal Genetic; ISAG).

Tests such as paternity in companion animals (dogs, cats ...) are tests that are performed routinely in the Unit of Sequencing and Genotyping of SGIker and are performed thru analyzing DNA from which the genetic profile of the animal is established, which is unique and remains unchanged throughout his life.

To perform these tests, it is always necessary to determine, in each animal, their genetic profile. This profile consists of genotypic data obtained for specific genetic markers. Until now, microsatellites or STRs have been the markers of choice, although currently being supplemented, and it is possible that in a future, replaced by Single Nucleotide Polimorphysms (SNPs). In the case of STRs, there are panels of markers internationally standardized by the International Society of Animal Genetics (ISAG), which establishes the DNA regions that should be studied in order for this analysis to have full validity. Either with STR markers or with SNP markers, individual genetic profiles will be interpreted to estimate the compatibility or incompatibility of the proposed genealogies.

These analisis can be made from a sample of blood, saliva, hair, etc. If the breeder or owner wants to know the paternity of the pet, he can take and send the samples himself in which case the laboratory will provide the necessary material for collecting such samples, being also a confidential, safe and cheap process (rates).