Dog Identification Using 381 SNP Markers to Prevent Microchip Fraud
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for pet identification, such as microchipping, are prone to fraud and do not provide reliable official records of pet ownership, leading to social and ethical issues related to pet loss and insurance fraud.
Innovation Solution
The use of a specific set of 381 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers from a dog genome dataset for accurate dog identification, which involves extracting nucleic acids from a dog and confirming the presence of these SNP markers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If microchip injection method is used for pet identification, then pet identity can be identified through serial numbers, but the information stored on the chip may be easily used for fraud and the chip can be removed or transplanted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical microchip system with a genetic-based identification system. Instead of using a physical chip that can be removed or transplanted, the invention uses DNA extraction and SNP marker analysis to identify pets, making fraud through chip removal or transplantation impossible since genetic information is inherent to the organism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the identification parameter from external serial numbers stored on a chip to internal genetic markers (SNP markers). By analyzing specific SNP positions in the dog genome, the system creates a unique genetic fingerprint that cannot be easily altered or transferred, thus improving security while maintaining identification accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If STR markers are used for dog identification, then high accuracy can be achieved, but a plurality of genotypes can be identified from a single marker and variations due to humidity and temperature can affect genotype identification
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the genetic marker type from STR (short tandem repeat) markers to SNP (single nucleotide polymorphism) markers. SNPs provide simpler binary genotype calls (homozygous reference, heterozygous, or homozygous alternative) compared to STR markers which require analyzing repeat numbers. This reduction in complexity makes the identification system more robust against environmental variations while maintaining high accuracy through the use of multiple SNP positions.
3Reliability
If genetic markers are used for pet identification, then pets can be identified and owners found if there are records, but various genetic markers have been used to prevent genetic polymorphism, heterozygosity, and phylogeny
Solution Approach 1:
The patent selects specific SNP markers from the dog genome that are optimized for individual identification. By choosing SNPs with appropriate allele frequencies and distributions across different dog populations, the system achieves high reliability in ownership record verification while avoiding the complexities associated with other genetic markers like microsatellites or mitochondrial DNA.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to an SNP marker set for dog identification and a dog identification method using the same. The present disclosure can accurately and easily readably identify individual dogs through the SNP markers on the gene and combinations of the SNPs based on the simple results of AA/AB/BB (Homozygote/Heterozygote/Homo mutant) by using 381 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) on the gene, thereby proving to be useful for animal individual identification.