Genetic markers in the blood of animals: a historical review.

In this review an attempt is made to list the most important events in the search for genetic markers in the blood of animals. In chronological order, blood groups, biochemical polymorphisms, lymphocyte antigens and DNA markers have been discovered and used in practice. Of all practical uses, parentage verification and exclusion are regarded as the most important, and it can be said with pride that the South African Stud Book is as infallible as any other stud book in the world.