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DNA Fingerprinting: The Future is Now!
Mr. Mike Bradley
Introduction DNA Fingerprinting also called DNA Matching Analysis involves matching the DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) from different samples of blood, semen, bone, hair, tissue, etc. The DNA within each individual, be it human or animal, is specific and different, even in members of the same family. DNA typing is the most accurate identification system known at this time. It is currently being utilized by the F.B.I. and other law enforcement agencies. In addition, several Breed Associations, including the American Quarter Horse Association and the American Kennel Club, now use DNA parent verification exclusively for their herdbooks.
Vision Statement The California State Fair is constantly striving to incorporate the most advanced technology, industry standards and cutting edge procedures available to our industry today. DNA Fingerprinting is certainly one of those advances available for use and one that has unlimited applications.
Why use DNA? For the purpose of enforcing ownership requirements to ensure that each animal entered is owned by the exhibitor, and be a part of a project under the exhibitor’s care and management for at least the minimum requirement to help provide an even playing field for all exhibitor’s.
The Situation The California State Fair is committed to demonstrating leadership in introducing and providing practical applications for innovative technology, products, systems and programs for both the agricultural industry and the general public. DNA Fingerprinting is the most cutting edge, advanced scientific technology available today. It will vastly improve our quality of life and provide unlimited economic potential for agriculture, medicine, government, food safety and the world of science. Our Junior Market Steer Show became the genesis for this technology to be exposed for the first time in history at a livestock event. The showring has never provided that service in the past. Our program proves that the show ring can be educational, innovative and entertaining. The Solution In 1991, a three year planning process was instituted for research and development of the program. The project involved four universities, three junior colleges, three veterinary clinics, three major California stock shows, the Barn Tours Program, a genetic engineering firm in Salt Lake City, Utah, "Linkage Genetics", and more than 100 exhibitors and 50 volunteers. Each of these partners provided tremendous support in instituting this innovative program state wide. The Outcome Tremendous benefits were reaped from this process. Our goal of directly involving agencies, individuals, companies, the media, professionals and educators with the Fair was accomplished. Many of them had never been involved with any Fair in the past. Most importantly, this program shed educational light on a controversial technology and assisted in providing a better understanding of how the process of using DNA can impact and improve the quality of life for our Fair patrons. Available Options using DNA
This list continues to grow and the Fair Industry has the opportunity to advance this technology as well as to expose it to a wide variety of markets.
Conclusion It is not every day that technology, with the capability of having a dramatic impact on mankind, is introduced to society. DNA Fingerprinting is a scientific advancement with unlimited potential. We believe that fairs can play a major role in testing and promoting these procedures. The California State Fair is proud to be the first to take a bold step and introduce DNA Fingerprinting to a livestock competition. Upon successful completion of our program, the Junior Grand National Livestock Show decided to use DNA fingerprinting in their 1995 competition and continue to use it today. In 1996 the California State Fair added DNA fingerprinting to the Market Sheep Show with the assistance of the U.C. Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory. This was also a historical first time program at a livestock event. This is just the beginning. We are confident that DNA testing will one day be a part of every major stock show in the country.
1994 California State Fair DNA Testing Income Report
Income: 110 Steers registered at $15.00 each $1,650.00 77 Steers entered at $15.00 each - $10.00 to DNA Fee - $5.00 to Entry Fee $770.00 Total Income $2,420.00
1994 California State Fair DNA Testing Expense Report
Expenses: Supplies (collection tubes, backs, racks,tape, needles, etc.) $ 275.73 Staff Travel $ 825.00 Linkage Genetics (matching fee - 50 steers) $1,250.00 Total Expenses $2,350.73
1994 DNA Testing Income/Expense Summary
Total Income $2,420.00 Total Expenses $2,350.73 Balance $6927.00
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