Kelnhofer Friesian genomics lab
What is the Kelnhofer Friesian Genomics Lab?
The Kelnhofer Friesian Genomics Lab (KFGL) is the Fenway Foundation’s dedicated facility for collecting, processing, and preserving DNA and other biological samples from Friesian horses. Its primary program is the Friesian DNA Bank, a long-term resource designed to support current and future Friesian health research.
By banking samples together with health and pedigree information before they are needed for a specific study, the lab is building a lasting research resource for the breed. Through the Friesian DNA Bank, owners can preserve their horse’s DNA and contribute to current and future Friesian health research.
Why the Lab was Created
Friesian health research depends on having well-documented biological samples from both affected and healthy horses. Too often, valuable samples are unavailable when a new research question arises, particularly after a horse has died or many years have passed since a diagnosis.
The KFGL was created to collect and preserve these samples in advance, together with health and pedigree information, so researchers can build stronger study populations, investigate family connections, and respond more quickly as new questions emerge.
Preserve Valuable Samples
Biological samples can be collected and preserved before the opportunity is lost, even when no current study requires them.
Build Stronger Research Cohorts
Samples from affected and healthy horses, senior Friesians, and related family members allow researchers to make meaningful comparisons.
Support Future Discoveries
Banked samples can support current studies or become valuable years later as new knowledge, technologies, and research questions emerge.
Your Friesian Can Help Shape the Future
The Friesian DNA Bank allows owners to preserve their horse's DNA while contributing to a lasting resource for Friesian health research.
Samples are needed from both affected and healthy horses. Senior Friesians, related family members, and horses with detailed health histories and documented diagnoses may be especially valuable. A sample banked today could support current studies or become important as new research questions emerge.
How to Enroll Your Friesian
The Fenway Foundation provides the collection materials, instructions, and prepaid return shipping needed to make participation in the Friesian DNA Bank straightforward.
01
Complete Form
02
Receive Kit
03
Collect Samples
04
Return Kit
Participation is Free
The Fenway Foundation provides the collection kit, DNA processing, long-term storage, and prepaid return shipping at no cost.
Participation is Free
A veterinarian must collect the blood sample. The owner or veterinarian may collect the hair sample. We recommend combining collection with a regularly scheduled veterinary appointment whenever possible. Any veterinary fees are determined by the individual veterinarian.
Eligibility: During the initial phase, the Friesian DNA Bank is accepting only purebred Friesian horses located within the contiguous United States. We are not yet able to enroll horses or accept samples from other countries. International participation is planned for a future phase once the program is fully established.
Help Us Build Better Health Data
DNA samples are most valuable for research when they can be linked to accurate, documented health or necropsy information. Owners can help strengthen the KFGL research database by reporting diagnosed health conditions and submitting necropsy findings for Friesian horses.
Your Information Remains Confidential
Owner and horse identifying information, as well as submitted veterinary records, are maintained confidentially. Information used in published Friesian health research will not include information that identifies the owner or horse, and identifying information will not be made public.
Report a Health Issue
If your Friesian has been diagnosed with a health condition, you can submit that information to the KFGL. Veterinary documentation is required so that diagnoses can be accurately recorded and used appropriately in future research.
Health information may be submitted for horses that are already enrolled in the Friesian DNA Bank as well as horses that are not currently banked.
Report a Necropsy
Necropsy reports are an especially valuable source of information for Friesian health research. If your Friesian has undergone a necropsy, you can submit the report for inclusion in Fenway’s long-term health and research database.
Necropsy information may help identify disease patterns, improve phenotype classification, and support current or future genetic research.