Diagnostic applications and limitations for the use of cell-free fetal DNA (cffDNA) in animal husbandry and wildlife management. (May 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Aucamp, Janine; van der Zwan, Henriette; Geldenhuys, Zarco; Abera, Aron; Louw, Roan; van der Sluis, Rencia
• Is Part Of: Research in veterinary science. Volume 158(2023)
• Page Start: 106
• Page End: 116
• Publication Date: 2023-05
• Subjects: Cell-free fetal DNA -- cffDNA -- Prenatal sexing -- Animal husbandry -- Wildlife breeding; Veterinary medicine -- Periodicals; Veterinary Medicine -- Periodicals; Médecine vétérinaire -- Périodiques; Médecine vétérinaire -- Recherche -- Périodiques; Diergeneeskunde; 636.089
• DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2023.03.013
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0034-5288

Abstract

Abstract: In animal breeding, a species sex can influence the value of the animal. For example, in the horse breeding industry, mares are preferred as polo horses, while in wildlife breeding males with larger horns are more valuable. Therefore, the economic advantages of knowing the unborn fetus' sex are important to successful animal management. Ultrasonography is used to determine the sex of unborn fetuses, but this method places additional stress on the animal and require specialized equipment and expertise. Conversely, molecular-based sexing techniques require less invasive sampling and can determine sex more reliably. Although in humans, various studies have evaluated the use of cell-free fetal DNA (cffDNA) for prenatal sexing, very few animal studies have been published in this field. Several factors can affect the sensitivity of cffDNA-based sex determination, for example the gestational age. These factors are often not optimized and validated when establishing a protocol for prenatal sexing. In this review, we summarize the current literature on cffDNA in animals. We discuss the diagnostic applications and limitations in the use thereof in animal husbandry and wildlife management. Lastly, the feasibility of implementing diagnostic tests is evaluated and solutions are given to the current drawbacks of the technology. Highlights: Cell-free fetal DNA (cffDNA) is a non-invasive source of the entire fetal genome. Despite this cffDNA is rarely used in non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) in animals. Several challenges still exist in developing routine NIPT for animals. The biggest challenges are the practical implementation and affordability of the tests.