Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have questions about the ordering process, your sample, sample shipping, or the result notification? Here you will find answers to all these general questions, as well as many other topics.
General Questions from Order to Result
Orders
How can I pay?
Payment is made via your customer account by PayPal, credit card, or direct debit.
How can I place an order?
- Online shop
- Directly from your customer account
- Order form (available on our website)
- By email (office@generatio.com)
Will I receive an invoice?
You will receive the invoice once by email after online payment, and it is also stored in your customer account.
Samples
Do I necessarily need a witness statement?
For purely private orders, no witness statement is required. For official orders (e.g., for associations), a witness statement from a veterinarian is required.
How do I need to package my sample?
Appropriate packaging for your sample depends on your sample material. A clear guide on this can be found in our sample collection instructions.
How do I send my sample?
Our interactive guide helps you prepare your postal shipment of samples, with individual documents compiled for you. For shipments across customs borders, we provide document templates tailored to your individual requirements: sample shipping.
Where do I need to send my sample?
Please send the sample to our laboratory in Heidelberg:
Generatio GmbH
Blumenstr. 49
69115 Heidelberg
Germany
How do I know that my sample has arrived at Generatio and is in good condition?
As soon as the sample arrives with us, you will receive a confirmation email. Should there be any issue with the sample, Generatio will contact you.
My animal is not listed in my account, even though a sample has been received by Generatio. What should I do?
To link your animal to your account, please contact Generatio by phone or email. We will be happy to assign the corresponding animal record to you.
Results
How long does it take until results are available?
Processing time depends on the individual order. You can find the processing time in the product description for the respective test in the online shop. Please note that if you order multiple tests, you will not necessarily receive the results at the same time.
How do I receive the results?
As soon as the results are available, you will receive an email with the result certificate as a file attachment. The result certificates can also be found in your user account under the "Certificates" menu, as well as in the respective animal record.
What does the result mean?
A brief explanation of each test result can be found directly on the respective certificate.
Frequently Asked Questions on Identity and Parentage
The most important questions on DNA identity profiles, their limits and their use in parentage assessments – explained clearly and concisely.
As a private breeder, how can I build continuous parentage documentation?
The simplest way is to have a DNA identity profile created early for every breeding animal – ideally before its first use for breeding – and to keep it permanently. Because the profile stays unchanged for life, it becomes a fixed reference. Then, for every litter, have the parentage of the offspring verified against the stored parent profiles. This builds a seamless, DNA-secured chain generation after generation.
Two things safeguard continuity: consistently use the same marker format (e.g. SNP or STR) so that all profiles remain comparable, and have the profiles archived in one place. Generatio retains the profiles it creates, so they can be drawn on again at any time for later litters, sales or subsequent breeding – even years later.
Can the genetic diversity of an animal be derived from an identity profile?
No. The markers of an identity profile are deliberately selected to have a high minor allele frequency and to distinguish individuals as well as possible. They are therefore intentionally "made variable" and are not representative of the whole genome. Inferring genome-wide genetic diversity (such as the degree of inbreeding or the diversity of a population) from these few, specially chosen positions is therefore not valid – that requires other, genome-wide analyses.
Can STR and SNP identity profiles be used together in one parentage case?
No. For a parentage assessment, the profiles of everyone involved must be in the same format. STR markers (repeat lengths) and SNP markers (single-base variants) measure different things at different positions and cannot be compared directly against each other. If only an STR profile is available for one parent and an SNP profile for the offspring, the missing profile must be re-determined in the matching format (or – where established and permitted – converted by imputation).
Does an identity profile reveal anything about health, appearance or performance?
No. The markers used usually lie in neutral, non-coding regions of the genome and were selected solely for their discriminatory power, not for any link to traits. An identity profile answers the question "Which animal is this?" – it is not a genetic test for diseases, colours or breeding values. Such questions require their own specific analyses.
Does a single non-matching marker automatically mean the parentage is wrong?
Not necessarily. A single inconsistency can be due to a rare mutation or a technical effect. In practice, a parentage is only considered excluded when several markers contradict it independently. A single "mismatch" is assessed, documented and – where sensible – checked by re-testing before any conclusion is drawn.
Does a DNA profile change over a lifetime, or does it need to be updated?
No. The DNA profile is innate and remains unchanged for life – regardless of the type of sample (e.g. hair, blood or mucosa) and the age of the animal. It therefore never needs renewing and serves as a permanent, tamper-proof reference, for example for re-identification or as the basis for later parentage assessments.
Frequently Asked Questions on Breed Analysis
Everything worth knowing about the method, the breeds covered and the results of the breed analysis – explained clearly and concisely.
Why a breed analysis from Generatio?
Because this is where everything that truly matters in a breed analysis comes together – and what makes Generatio the best offer currently available:
- High-resolution SNP arrays instead of just a few markers – tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of positions in the genome are read out.
- The most reliably distinguishable breeds: over 150 dog breeds and 93 horse breeds can currently be assigned.
- Our own dedicated bioinformatics – analysis takes place in-house, not outsourced.
- Over 25 years of data – a reference built up from diagnostics and studbook verification, against which we continuously validate our methods.
Which species is breed analysis available for?
Currently for dogs and horses. The methods are adapted to the respective breeding history – from distinct breeds with closed studbooks to breed groups with open studbooks.
How does this differ from cheaper tests?
Cheaper methods are often based on just a few markers and, at best, provide only rough indications. Only the high resolution of SNP arrays produces the fine genetic pattern needed to reliably separate breeds and detect even small proportions in mixed-breed animals.
How reliable are the results?
Very high – and verifiable: we compare every profile against an extensive reference database and continuously check the reliability of our methods using the many reference samples we receive through our work for the major breed associations.
What sample is required?
Depending on the species, a simple saliva, cheek swab, hair root, or blood sample is sufficient. Detailed instructions are included with the test.
What is included in the result – and what can I add?
Every breed analysis already includes determination of the identity profile. This base package can be extended with an inbreeding assessment – and supplemented with any additional test of your choice.
How do I receive my results?
We provide your results in a structured, secure, and accessible way via the ATC – Animal Trust Center platform – with clear graphics and precise proportions, for animal owners, veterinarians, and breeding managers.
These answers are for general information only. The specific requirements of the relevant testing body and the responsible breed association apply for the assessment of an individual case.