DNA Testing

https://vgl.ucdavis.edu/breed/american-highland

Dilution Test:

The dilution test will tell you if you have a no-dilution animal (red or black), a single dilution (dun or yellow), or a double dilution (silver or white). There are generally pretty obvious colors of calves but if there’s ever a question, you’ll want to test.  A lot of buyers also like to have this so and it’s pretty cheap to run so I do it with every calf.

Parentage Test:

This would only be relevant if your cows were exposed to multiple bulls.

MC1R extension:

Always run this if you’re testing dilution because you need both parts of the equation for it to be meaningful information.

Bulldog Dwarfism or BD1/BD2:

This is the chondro test.  The only time this is relevant is if one or both parent in chondro positive.  There are multiple names used to describe chondro positive animals including BD1/BD2, chondrodysplasia, chondro, or dwarfism.  It can only be chondro positive if it’s a highland/Dexter cross because pure highlands don’t carry the chondro gene.  Two chondro positive animals that are bred together can result in BD2 (bulldog) calves. This is a lethal congenital mutation. Chondro positive animals sell for more money in todays market, so test before you price or put two prices out pending test results. Always test when it’s a possible outcome.  

Freemartin:

Freemartin is the term describing a sterile female as the result on fraternal twins where one is male and one female.  This is the result of testosterones influence on development.