What we have suggested to our client breed associations beginning a DNA testing program is to start small. Initially test a limited number of animals to determine if the testing program will meet their needs as well as to accumulate some population frequency data on the breed specifically. This will allow the breed association to iron out any problems while they are still on a small scale and to develop policies aimed at dealing with future problems arising from DNA testing. Once the initial phase has been completed to their satisfaction, the program can be gradually scaled up. This brings us to the issue of using technologies that are patented versus those in the public domain.
Many laboratories look at patenting as a way to protect research investment.
While understandable, this type of exclusivity defeats the purpose of worldwide access to data and technologies which ImmGen feels is essential to serving the breeding industry worldwide. Using publicly available information also protects breed associations in several ways. First, patented procedures are usually more expensive as one entity can control the price of the service. Second, once a program is begun with a lab using patented information, an association is essentially tied to that one provider. If the information is in the public domain and can be used by anyone, the association can seek out the provider that best suits their needs and should the needs change, they are free to switch to another lab and can transfer all of the accumulated data.