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MLS BioDNA Ltd is offering DNA avian gender
identification (bird sexing) as a tool for breeders, veterinarians
and bird owners. As a company we are also aiming to offer a number
of other DNA tests for animal diseases in species including equine,
canine and feline.
Bird Sexing
In many birds the sexes are morphologically
indistinguishable, even as adults. In about half of the world’s bird
species, the females and males look identical. This problem hinders
both evolutionary studies and human-assisted breeding of birds.
Different methods have been developed to determine the sex of birds,
including:
• Surgical sex identification
• Bird sexing using DNA analysis
1. Surgical Sex Identification
This technique is invasive (surgical procedure) and requires the
sedation of the bird. Moreover, any surgical procedure involves a
number of risks. These include allergic reaction to the anaesthetic,
a period of convalescence, infection at surgical site and
psychological trauma. Besides the procedure has to be carried out by
a veterinarian and is relatively expensive.
2. DNA Bird Sexing
This procedure is relatively simple and comparatively cheap. Usually
three plucked feathers are enough to determine the sex of the bird.
The method is non-invasive and much less traumatic for the bird. No
need to give any antibiotics after the sample collection procedure.
Species that can be sexed with this method
This DNA sexing method can be used for most of the birds’ species.
It is commonly used to sex birds of the family psittacidae (e.g.
Parrots, Macaws etc.).
MLS BioDNA
can also carry birdsexing analysis on members of the Struthionidae
family (e.g. ostrich, emu etc.), Strigidae (owls), Accipitridae
(eagles) and Cathartidae (vultures) families.
Sample Collection
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1)
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A plastic bag should be used to collect
the feathers.
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2)
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The plastic bag should be labelled
appropriately with the name of the bird, species, ring number
and date of sample collection.
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3)
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Three or more plucked chest feathers
should be used for each bird.
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4)
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A few drops of blood can also be supplied
for testing.
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5)
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Sample submission form should be filled
in appropriately and must accompany all samples sent.
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6)
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Samples should be delivered / sent to the
laboratory as soon as possible (ideally not more than 48 hours
after sample collection).
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7)
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Samples should never be exposed to
extremes of temperature (e.g. in a freezer or left in the sun
in a car).
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Pigeon DNA Paternity
Testing
MLS BioDNA
Ltd is offering DNA paternity testing for pigeons
(Columbidae family). This test is useful to confirm
paternity of a pigeon, claimed to carry certain traits as those of
its parents. The test helps owners to have peace of mind when buying
a pigeon claimed to have certain characteristics.
Test Procedure
The test is done by
comparing the tested pigeon to either one or both of its alleged
parents.
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Three or more plucked chest feathers should
be submitted for each pigeon to be tested.
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The feathers should be submitted to the
laboratory in separate properly labelled plastic bags.
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Feathers should be submitted immediately
and transported at room temperature.
Blood on filter paper can be
obtained from toe nail or from under the wing and sent to the
laboratory instead of feathers.
Testing is done by PCR of a
number of short tandem repeats (STRs) and comparisons are done
between the tested pigeon and alleged parents.
Although the test can be
done by comparing with only one of the alleged parents, it is
recommended to test both parents.
A report is issued showing
results obtained and interpretation.
Other Paternity
Testing
MLS BioDNA Ltd
is also ready to expand its capabilities in DNA profiling and
pedigree testing of other animals such as dogs, cats, horses and
cows. This could be beneficial for breeders and buyers of pure
breeds in order to have peace of mind about the animal they invest
in.
For further details and
interests please contact us.
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