The American Brabant Association promotes the capturing of the DNA “fingerprint” (parentage markers) of American Brabant horses and requires all stallions, and all Breeding Stock horses to be DNA tested for parentage markers, JEB, and PSSM1. Once tested and recorded, horses’ genetic markers can be compared to their sires’ and dams’ genetic markers to verify parentage. Genetic parentage/identification testing needs to be done only once in a horse’s lifetime.  There is no DNA test that identifies a horse’s European Belgian Bloodlines or parents (unless the parents DNA test results are already on file).

The ABA has contracted with the University of Kentucky Genetic Testing at Gluck to handle DNA parentage/identification markers, JEB and PSSM1 testing. The ABA Registry will maintain a database of the results.

For horses registered after March 31, 2024, the ABA requires all stallions, and all Breeding Stock horses to be tested for parentage/identification, PSSM1(Polysaccharide Storage Myopathy) and JEB1 (Junctional epidermolysis bullosa).  Additionally, all stallions that are already registered by the ABA, must be DNA tested, before their offspring can be registered.  DNA testing for American Brabant mares is encouraged but not required at this time. 

If you do not have DNA testing done now, consider collecting and storing mane hairs (for adult horses) or tail hairs (for foals) from your horse. Store 50-100 hairs. The hair follicles contain the DNA needed for future testing. 

If you choose to have DNA testing done:

Submit the ABA DNA Testing Request form, either using the paper form below or the online form on the AmericanBrabant.org website, and appropriate fees to the American Brabant Registry Office.  

1. The Registry office will then mail back to you the DNA Analysis form that will be used to send the sample to the University of Kentucky. 
2. Tape the mane or tail hairs of the appropriate horse onto the DNA Analysis form. These hairs must be pulled and not cut. If the horse is less than 1 year old it is recommended that you pull tail hairs and if older than 1 year old that you pull mane hairs from near the withers. 50-100 hairs are required for the test.
3. Send the form and hair sample to the lab. Their address is listed on the DNA Analysis form.
4. The ABA approved lab at the University of Kentucky will perform the DNA genetic tests. 
5. The results will be returned to the ABA Registry Office. 
6. Once recorded in the ABA database, a copy of the genetic results will be emailed to you.
7. You should print them out and keep them with your horse’s ABA Registration Certificate. 
8. Please allow 4-5 weeks for the results to be returned to you.
   
   

Fee:
Parentage testing – $40 USD for members and non-members
PSSM1 testing – $60 USD for members and non-members
JEB1 testing – $50 USD for members and non-members