Tools of the trade: diagnostics and research in domestic animal cytogenetics.

This paper describes the most common cytogenetic techniques we routinely adopt in our laboratories for producing high-resolution banding on prometaphase stage chromosomes, from synchronized or nonsynchronized blood cultures. Special emphasis is given to the FISH procedures applied to prometaphase chromosomes for mapping purposes. Each section includes historical information, basic principles for the given technique, its primary use in veterinary cytogenetics, and major limitations. Supplementary material (protocols and chemicals used) are available on our website. Even though these techniques mainly refer to the Bovidae, they can be easily extended and adapted to members of other taxa.