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Instructions for collecting samples

Instructions for collecting samples

Instructions for Collecting and Dispatching Birds DNA Sex Determination samples. These instructions must be used with the proper Exam Dispatch Forms. The copies of these forms and the collecting sample kits are available with no extra costs, please contact São Camilo – Biotechnology Division or visit our website. To order more kits, please indicate the amount needed on the appropriate field in the Exams Dispatch Form.

Choose your type of sample.

São Camilo Biotechnology is able to extract DNA from a wide variety of samples. Each test has specific samples; please see the exams table to get more information and instructions. It is possible to extract DNA successfully from feathers and blood in more than 99% of samples. To increase the extraction success index, please follow the sample collecting instructions very carefully. If there is an error in extracting the DNA of your sample, we will try a new extraction and if it fails, you will be informed and asked to send a new sample. There won’t be extra charges if a new sample is required.

How to proceed the Collection

Feathers:


a) (shaft with blood): young growing feathers, generally with a lot of blood in their pulps. For this type of material, 2 feathers are enough.

b) (Without shaft): adult feathers without blood in their pulps:

     i. Feathers from the wings or tail: 4 feathers are enough (be careful not to break the feather when plucking it, we need the pulp to extract DNA)

    ii. Feathers from the chest: in passeriformes, retrieve at least 15 feathers. In parrots or medium and big sized birds, 6 chest feathers are enough.

Blood:

Blood can be collected from a small cut on the toenail of the bird. For sex determination, the collection must be done with the specific kit.

Eggshell:

Collect pieces of the eggshell that contain the inner membrane (reddish spots inside the shells). Use the plastic bag and attach it to a collecting kit with the bird’s data.

Please be careful when collecting samples from more than one bird to prevent cross-contamination between samples. Use new tools and disposable gloves for each sample. Blood from sick birds that has poor coagulation can be dangerous. If in doubt, talk to your veterinarian.

Send your sample and  Dispatching Form:

  • Fill in the form clearly and completely.
  • Make an Identification record that you chose for your bird. If you need to contact us, this will guarantee that we can access the information quickly.
  • Please attach the payment voucher to the sample.
  • Put your sample, the dispatching form and the payment voucher in the envelope. Mail the prepaid envelope to the address at the bottom of the page..

Please contact us for advice, test kits orders, dispatching forms or any other information. You can also visit our website for downloading forms.

Accuracy in DNA Bird Sex Determination

The DNA test is the chosen method for determining the genre of birds. There are many potential error sources, each one with a few different effects.

  • Sample errors: when proceeding the collection from several birds at the same time, the breeder or responsible for sample collections should be careful and make sure every sample is identified with the right bird’s data. Aiming to avoid cross-contamination, use new tools and disposable gloves for each sample or at least wash your hands between collections. Any mistake at this point can damage the results of the whole lot of samples.
  • Sample DNA Extraction: It is possible to extract DNA of more than 99% of blood and feather samples. An error in extracting DNA may happen for several causes. In such cases, a new sample has to be dispatched free of additional charges.
  • Bird Species: Two slightly different DNA techniques are used to successfully determine sex in most of bird species. Please check the list of birds that can be sexed on our website. It is possible to determine sex in other species, please contact us for further information before sending the samples. Besides that, an adjustment in the test is needed for some species and that leads into a delay of result deliveries. Please contact us if you have any questions regarding this issue..
  • Laboratory Errors: The accuracy indices are higher than 99%. São Camilo Biotechnology makes a big effort to obtain 100%accuracy, however, it is important that breeders and owners understand that no Lab tests are a 100% accurate.
    If you suspect that a result might be incorrect, please contact us. In most cases, it will be a pleasure for us to perform a new test free of additional charges.