We are pleased to launch our DNA testing service to determine the parentage of domestic pigeons
We will be relaunching our Pigeon Parentage service in the New Year!
The domestic pigeon (Columba livia domestica) is known for its navigational ability and used in racing competitions across the world, covering distances from 100 to 1000 kilometres. The best performing pigeons and their offspring can be extremely valuable which has resulted in a need for an accurate method of parentage identification and verification.
A pigeon DNA test to determine parentage is a valuable tool for breeders and owners, allowing the determination of clear genetic links between a chick and its parents.
The chXout® racing pigeon parentage service starts at £147.60 (incl. VAT) and includes one chick, the mother and one potential father. If you require additional chicks or potential fathers to participate in the test that is not a problem, these can be added on individually.
By sending us one of the sample types below for each bird participating in the test, we can produce each birds individual DNA profile. These profiles are then compared against each other to determine parentage i.e. confirm the mother and identify if the father is among those tested.
Benefits of DNA profiling include:
- Parentage confirmation of young
- Identification in case of theft
- Identification for the sale of valuable birds
HOW DOES IT WORK?
Making use of a special technique known as Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), we are able to copy all the regions of DNA we require for a pigeon DNA test to determine parentage.
chXout® uses twelve core DNA markers and four back-up markers as recommended by the Pigeons and Other Species Committee of the International Society of Animal Genetics. This recommended marker panel was confirmed in 2014 to ensure the regulation of DNA parentage in pigeons as was already available for other domesticated animals.
We make use of PCR to copy multiple highly variable regions, known as short tandem repeats (STR’s). By copying and analysing these regions we are able to produce a DNA profile for each individual bird.
Click on me to see my DNA profile!
Each individual has two alleles (variations between individual sections of DNA) at each DNA marker. One of these is inherited from the mother and the other from the father. In your report these are shown as a number which represents the allele size from the DNA profile (see above example).
As with a human paternity test, we are then able to compare the DNA profiles of the squab and dam to rule out the alleles inherited maternally.
By process of elimination, we are then left with the alleles corresponding to the alleged sire, if we can then find a match, we can conclusively say that the tested male is the biological sire of the chick.
Example pigeon parentage test report
FAQS & INFORMATION
The mother's sample is used to rule out the maternally inherited alleles to check if the remaining alleles correspond with the potential father.
In this case, we can extract the DNA from the samples that we do have and hold it ready to complete the rest of the steps in the process when we have the remaining samples. This means that the DNA is extracted while the sample is still at its best and we can store it appropriately until needed.
PRICING
£147.60 (incl. VAT)
One chick DNA profile
One mother DNA profile
One potential father DNA profile
Parentage analysis
DNA profile storage for future cases
Report within 8 working days
£49.20 (incl. VAT)
To be used with pigeon parentage package
Price per additional father
One potential father DNA profile
Parentage analysis
DNA profile storage for future cases
Report within 8 working days
£49.20 (incl. VAT)
To be used with pigeon parentage package
Price per additional chick
One chick DNA profile
Parentage analysis
DNA profile storage for future cases
Report within 8 working days
SAMPLE SUBMISSION TYPES
DRIED EGG MEMBRANE
BLOOD
FEATHERS
Preferred sample types are blood and egg membrane. If feather samples are your only option we would require at least six plucked chest feathers.
A good sample is key to firstly, achieving a DNA profile and equally, providing conclusive results. With this is mind, please take some time to take a look at our our Sample Submissions page and download our sampling instructions at the top of the page.
Please note that we would not be able to accept a mouth swab for a pigeon parentage test.
If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.
WHAT DO I NEED TO DO?
- Collect your sample(s) using our sampling instructions at the top of the page.
- Ensure that your samples are sealed securely and labelled correctly.
- Complete the relevant forms for your service. If you email them to sales@chxout.com we will know to expect your sample(s) & it will help us to manage caseloads in busy periods.
Please ensure that the relationship of the birds is clear on your sample submission form and samples (mother/potential father/chick) - Package your samples safely and include your client reference.
- Enclose your sample submission form if these have not already been emailed to us.
- Send your samples to us at: chXout®, The Durham Genome Centre, Park House, Station Road, Lanchester, DH7 0EX
- Your sample(s) will be checked and logged in upon receipt ready to be passed to the laboratory. If we note any anomalies we think you may need to be aware of prior to the start of processing we will contact you as to how you would like to proceed as soon as possible.
- A report will be emailed to you attached as a PDF document within your chosen turnaround time and as soon as the results are available.
Please ensure that the correct postage is used for the size of the letter or parcel to avoid any delays due to insufficient postage. Further information can be found via Royal Mail.