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NMDA DNA TYPING PROGRAM

As of March, 2025, Ellen Dahlstet is stepping down as NMDA's DNA Program Coordinator, however, DNA Typing/Testing beyond March 2025 will continue with Dr. Rytis Juras, DVM, PhD., Associate Research Scientist at Texas A&M University.

After March 2025, Dr. Juras will accept NMDA's Sampling Form to process DNA. Download the NMDA's Sampling Form (pdf) to process DNA as usual.

NMDA has worked with Dr. Gus Cothran, Ph.D. and Dr. Rytis, Ph.D. of Texas A&Ms' Veterinary Integrative Biosciences Department since 2000 in two NMDA-sponsored DNA studies and will continue in the future with direct communication between the Lab and owners.

NOTE:

Domestic and Foreign DNA Typing Fees as of March, 2025 will be sent to Texas A&M with checks/money orders made out to Texas A&M University, Animal Genetics Lab accompanying DNA samples sent to the Lab. No additional fee is charged for animals already DNA Typed when future parentage qualifications are required.

Export permits for DNA samples are required outside the U.S. If needed, one will be provided by the Lab. (Export Permits are not needed for Canadian samples.)

Please wait on taking hair samples if your Miniature Donkey is less than a month old — before then the hair samples are fragile and may break off without the root bulb which contains the DNA.

When one parent and offspring are DNA Tested the results are about 90%. When the dam and suspected sires are DNA Tested this rises to 99%. The one exception to this is where there is close breeding in the pedigrees of the Jacks or Jennets involved - then it is necessary to DNA Type*/Test** all in order to qualify the parentage of the offspring.

DNA samples are best stored at room temperature in paper envelopes if not mailed to the lab within a short period of time.

After DNA is processed owners will receive DNA Type Sheet(s) for their files. Typing/Testing information is handled confidentially and the release of information either prior to or after the creation of a DNA Type Sheet is ultimately left to the discretion of the owner of the animal. Texas A&M and its representative(s) will not act as arbitrator(s) between breeders.

Confidential paperwork generated in the past 25 years is on file with Texas A&M's Lab and will continue to be. Confidential paperwork that has been held with Ellen Dahlstet as NMDA'S DNA Program Coordinator will be destroyed after March, 2025.

If your Miniature Donkey has already been registered, the Lab would need to receive either by e-mail or mail the following:

  • A photocopy (front and back) of the individual's paperwork.

  • If your Miniature Donkey has not been registered as yet the Lab would need:
    • The full name your Jack or Jennet will be registered under.
    • Date of Birth.
    • Gender.
    • Photocopies (if possible) of his/her sire's and dam's registration paperwork.

NMDA's yearly DNA Record for 2024 will be published for the last time in March, 2025 with over 1,190 Miniature Donkeys as well as Standard Donkeys and Poitous into Texas A&M University's Equine Genetic Lab records.

DNA Typing/Testing has proven its unbiased worth over time and NMDA hopes that breeders will continue to take advantage of it.

*DNA Typing provides for a lifetime of identification unique to each individual.

**DNA Testing provides parentage qualification of offspring.

Rytis Juras, DVM, Ph.D., Associate Research Scientist
Texas A&M University / CVM, VIBS / Animal Genetics Lab
VBEC Receiving - VICI Rm 126
4458 TAMU
College Station, TX 77843-4458
(979) 845-6524