--- title: "4.15.1 Parentage control (2024)" canonical: "https://wiki.groenkennisnet.nl/space/TAB/288260351/4.15.1%20Parentage%20control%20(2024)" format: markdown --- Related to collection of DNA information, as a first application, genetic markers are used in the control of the pedigree information: the parentage verification. The basic principle is that both the sire and the dam each pass one allele of a genetic marker to their offspring. If an allele in the offspring is not present in either of the parents, this is a clear indication of either an error in the DNA typing, or an error in the parentage. This is illustrated in the figure below and in the example with the dogs. ![image](media://85dc7b2d-fc40-4613-ae86-2daaf4d121ba) Mistakes in pedigree may be caused by mixing up parents (or semen) at mating, unnoticed matings, mixing up of young animals shortly after birth or administrative mistakes. From experiences in parentage control, it is known that 2 – 10 per cent of the animals have a wrong pedigree. In breeding programs with high costs, parentage control is highly recommended, especially when animals are kept in large numbers in a breeding unit, where mistakes easily may occur. > Macro (children)