PĀMU PUPS DO THEIR BIT FOR MASSEY NEW ZEALAND WORKING DOG PROJECT
Source: Business Scoop (Extract)
Posted: June 19, 2024
Over 200 working dogs from Pāmu farms across New Zealand have contributed their DNA to Massey University for a pioneering project aimed at safeguarding the future of the country’s working dog breeds.
Led by Professor Matt Littlejohn at Massey’s AL Rae Centre for Genetics and Breeding, the project aims to correlate the DNA of working dogs with their health and performance. Co-funded by MPI through the Sustainable Food and Fibre Futures Fund, the initiative receives support from Pāmu, Focus Genetics, and other key industry partners.
The initial phase of unraveling the genetic makeup of New Zealand’s working dogs has been completed, with blood samples, cheek swabs, and detailed questionnaires collected from each dog for analysis. While genetic studies have been conducted on many pet breeds worldwide, this marks the first comprehensive mapping of New Zealand’s distinctive working dog populations.
Dr. Melissa Stephen, Senior Research Officer at Massey University, highlights that certain medical conditions are already emerging among huntaway and heading dogs. For instance, concerns about conditions like twisted gut in huntaways have been raised by many shepherds. Identifying animals genetically predisposed to such issues through screening can inform future breeding decisions.
“Having genetic data from screening allows farmers to select the best breeding stock and avoid passing on health conditions to future generations of puppies,” she explains.
The project comprises two components. The first involves genome sequencing, requiring blood samples from the dogs. This method provides highly detailed DNA analysis, enabling scrutiny of every genetic component for potential hidden issues.
“This means that breeders of working dogs can access crucial information about apparently healthy dogs carrying recessive genes, ensuring they avoid mating them with others carrying the same recessive genes that could lead to issues in their offspring.
“Another aspect we can explore with DNA sequencing results is assessing the level of inbreeding and quantifying associated risks,” Dr. Stephen explains.
Thirteen Pāmu farms volunteered their dogs for blood and cheek swab samples for the project. In addition to samples, photographs, measurements, and detailed questionnaires were collected for each dog from shepherds.
Among the initial contributors were seven dogs from Mt Hamilton near Te Anau. Pāmu farm manager Thomas Scanlan expressed his enthusiasm for participation, citing a strong interest in learning more about his dogs and contributing to the long-term improvement of New Zealand’s working dog health.
Pāmu Chief Executive Officer Mark Leslie emphasizes, “Pāmu plays a pivotal role in research and development. With our extensive scale and geographic coverage, we are ideally positioned to support New Zealand science that benefits the broader sector and makes commercial sense. Innovation is essential for meeting challenges and ensuring farming excellence. Working dogs are significant investments in terms of money, time, and training, and understanding their genetic profiles could offer substantial advantages for shepherds and their dogs.”
Over the next few years, the program aims to gather more than 2,000 cheek swabs from additional working dogs. Massey University is collaborating with Ancestry.com to genotype these dogs, aiming to identify genetic links with working performance, the prevalence of known genetic diseases, and to gain deeper insights into their heritage.
“We are eager to leverage these tools not only to promote healthier puppies but also to safeguard the long-term vitality of these breeds,” added Dr. Stephen.
