My Cattery has been tested for HCM, PKD and HD for decades. Please visit my “Health” link for details. In 2020, I also started doing the Optimal Selection gene test for my new foundation cats. Optimal Selection is an additional tool to make breeding decisions. However, most genes of the Optimal Selection gene test are not Maine Coon specific and completely irrelevant for my breeding program. Only SMA and the MYBPC3 genes are of true relevance.
I am super thrilled with Joy’s 40 % gene diversity! There were no risk genetic conditions detected in Joy’s DNA (Including the Maine Coon specific ”HCM” gene and SMA gene and PKD.) Thankfully, she is blood group type A. Joy has one copy of Factor XII deficiency VAR 1 + 2 which is not considered a risk for her. Besides, Fac XII is apparently a-symptomatic in Maine Coons. Joy will be bred only to males that don’t carry a copy for this, just to be absolutely sure.
Coyote received only 25 % gene diversity which didn’t come as a surprise to me at all, considering her colony origin. There were no risk genetic conditions detected in Coyote’s DNA (Including the Maine Coon specific ”HCM” gene, SMA gene and PKD gene.) Thankfully, she is blood group type A.
Quite happy with the 30 % gene diversity for Ulysses, considering his colony origin. There were no risk genetic conditions detected in Ulysses DNA (including the Maine Coon specific “HCM” gene, SMA gene and PKD gene). Ulysses has one copy of Pyrovate Kinase Deficiency which is not considered a risk for him. The test for this gene test is believed to be inaccurate and also a-symptomatic for the Maine Coon breed. However, Ulysses will be bred only to females that don’t carry a copy for this, just to be absolutely sure.
Efren received a whooping 40 % gene diversity which makes sense as her parents are completely unrelated. There were no risk genetic conditions detected in Efren’s DNA (Including the Maine Coon specific ”HCM” gene, SMA gene and PKD gene.) Thankfully, she is blood group type A.
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