Available from 1 June 2023!
A falcon DNA test to determine parentage is a powerful tool for breeders and owners, allowing the determination of clear genetic links between a chick and its parents.
We are able to carry out DNA testing to determine genetic relationships for Peregrine falcons and Gyrfalcons.
Please note that this service unfortunately cannot be used to determine parentage for hybrid species.
IN THE LABORATORY
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 falcon DNA test to determine parentage.
Eight DNA markers are used to carry out the parentage analysis.
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.
As with a human paternity test, we are then able to compare the DNA profiles of the chick and mother to rule out the alleles inherited maternally (alleles are simply variations between individuals of sections of DNA).
By process of elimination, we are then left with the alleles corresponding to the alleged father, if we can then find a match we can conclusively say that the tested male is the biological father of the chick.
DNA TESTING BENEFITS
- DNA testing can be carried out for birds at any age to determine parentage
- Identification for the sale of valuable birds
- Identification in case of theft
- The service is available year-round for all of your parentage questions
PRICING
£49.20 PER PROFILE (INCL. VAT)
Per bird participating – parentage DNA profile
£71.20 (INCL. VAT)
1 parentage DNA profile + 1 sexing test
SAMPLE SUBMISSION TYPES
DRIED EGG MEMBRANE
BLOOD
PLUCKED FEATHERS
For more information on suitable sample submissions types and their collection, please visit our Sample Submissions page.
Please note that we would not be able to accept a mouth swab for a falcon parentage test.
WHICH BIRDS SHOULD BE TESTED?
We would always recommend that the mother is tested alongside any chick and alleged male parent sample(s) to provide a conclusive result. As a chick inherits 50% of its DNA from the mother and 50% from the father, a test without a sample from the mother will not provide the same degree of certainty as a test with samples from both parents.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
- Collect your sample 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 case loads in busy periods.
- 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.