What does Bird Gender testing involve? Parrot, Collection kit
What does Bird Gender testing involve?
Did you ever wonder what bird gender testing involve? For successful breeding purposes or curiosity, the gender of a bird is required. The Avian DNA sexing test offered at MDS targets the sex chromosomes of a bird to determine whether the bird is male or female. Their test is both sensitive and specific and can be performed from the first day after hatching.
They have multiple Avian DNA sexing assays to assist us to accurately sex the thousands of avian species in the world today. It is therefore important to indicate the species of the bird being tested for DNA sexing so that the correct assay for that species is used.
Bird Gender testing collection Kit
Although it is possible to use blood or tissue for testing, their preferred sample is a drop of blood collected using their sample collection kits, as the samples are stable and the risk of contamination is reduced. The sampling procedure is simple, non-invasive, and can be performed at the site where the animal is located. The kit consists of a sterile tube containing a strip of specimen collection paper and a sterile needle. A small volume of blood blotted onto the collection paper is all that is needed to perform the molecular tests. Multiple tests can be performed on the same sample.
Order the kits directly from MDS.
Advantages
- No risk of trauma from anaesthesia or surgical complications.
- The bird does not have to be mature to be tested.
- The bird does not have to be transported as a sample can easily be taken by the owner.
- No special storage conditions are required once the sample has been taken.
- The test is rapid and results can be faxed or emailed within 2 working days of receipt of the sample at the laboratory.
- MDS also has an interactive online vetsite where clients can confidentially track their submitted samples and access their results.
- Current and historic results (from 2014-onwards) can be accessed from the online vetsite.
- A certificate can be supplied on request.
- Possibility of more than one test being performed on the same sample.
Sample Collection
- Hold the bird comfortably so that you can access the bird’s toe.
- Remove the new sterile needle and prick the bird’s toe just above the claw, not the claw itself. After a few seconds a visible drop of blood should appear. Fig1
- Open the lid of the small tube and remove the white strip of specimen collection paper (always hold the part that is sticking out of the tube). Fig 2
- Press the marked tip of the paper against the fresh drop of blood. An ideal sample would fill the area below the marked line at the bottom of the paper. Too little sample may result in insufficient DNA to obtain a result.
- Insert the paper into the tube, with blood first. Never touch the marked tip with your fingers! Close the tube firmly. Please discard needle / lancet safely – do not return to MDS.
- Write the bird’s name and ring number onto the tube’s label and then log your sample onto our secure online vetsite http://vetsite.mdsafrica.net. If you are unable to print your test request, please send the RN number with your submission to link your samples to your order.
- Place the tubes and data sheet into an addressed padded envelope marked FRAGILE and post with payment.
- Please post to MDS or arrange with MDS for courier collection.
Results of your gender testing
You will receive your results via e-mail within two working days of the MDS laboratory receiving your samples. Certificates for individual birds can be supplied on request at an additional charge.
You would also be interested in:
https://www.wwbirds.co.za/dir/bird-gender-test/
I hope that this post answer your questions about what bird gender testing involve.
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