Gene specific assays using biochemical markers can be performed to confirm that an inbred strain has not drifted or been contaminated via accidental matings to another strain. These assays can also be used to determine the extent of genetic stabilization achieved during backcrossing programs. The types of breeding protocols appropriate for a model depend upon the long-range strategy for development of the model and the immediate need to obtain well defined animals for studies. Three types of breeding environments are available from Taconic. Virus Free Small Scale Breeding For animals which have undergone a successful Quarantine Program or Virus Free Derivation , this option provides investigators with a mechanism for quickly obtaining virus-free animals and potentially making them available to collaborators.
Breeding is carried out in mass laminar airflow units.
All supplies entering the colony are sterilized and Taconic's comprehensive health testing program is administered. This option also affords maximum flexibility for backcrossing or crossbreeding to models from other sources. This is the best means for protecting derived animals from possible pathogenic or genetic contamination. Isolator maintained colonies traditionally serve as the source for breeder stock used in barrier production colonies. Isolators also are an ideal environment for generating and testmating putative homozygous lines.