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Cat. No.: BGIK-50 (for 50T)

Cat. No.: BGIK-200 (for 200T)

Description

Bird Gender Identification Kit by PCR, also known as the Avian Sex Identification Kit (PCR method), Bird Sex Identification Kit, Avian Sexing Examination Kit, Avian Gender Identification Kit, or Avian Sexing PCR Kit, is a molecular diagnostic tool designed to determine the sex of birds based on differences in sequence and copy number of the CHD gene (Chromo Helicase-DNA binding gene) located on the Z and W sex chromosomes. The kit requires only genomic DNA extracted from feathers, blood, or tissue samples. Using PCR technology, it specifically amplifies the CHD-Z and CHD-W genes, followed by agarose gel electrophoresis to rapidly and accurately identify the bird’s sex.

This kit is suitable for most non-ratite bird species, but is not applicable to flightless ratites such as ostriches, cassowaries, rheas, emus, and kiwis.

Many bird species are monomorphic, meaning males and females cannot be distinguished by external morphology alone. Accurate sex identification is crucial for evolutionary and ecological studies such as sex ratio estimation, population dynamics and structure, as well as for conservation efforts involving endangered species. It is especially important in captive breeding programs where balanced sex ratios must be maintained.

Bird sexing methods fall into three categories:

• Invasive methods (e.g., cloacal examination, laparoscopy)

• Non-invasive methods (e.g., morphometric analysis, behavioral observation)

• Minimally invasive methods (e.g., hormone ratio analysis from blood or feather samples)

However, invasive methods may cause stress or injury, and non-invasive or minimally invasive methods often lack sufficient accuracy. Currently, PCR-based CHD gene amplification has become the mainstream approach due to its high efficiency, accuracy, and minimal sample requirements.

The CHD gene encodes chromatin-associated proteins with chromatin-binding domains and SNF2-related helicase or ATPase domains. While the exon sequences of CHD genes on Z and W chromosomes are highly conserved, their intron lengths differ. This allows for the design of specific primers to amplify both CHD-Z and CHD-W fragments.

• Female birds (ZW) produce two PCR fragments of different lengths.

• Male birds (ZZ) produce a single fragment of uniform length.

These differences are clearly visible via agarose gel electrophoresis:

• One band indicates a male

• Two bands indicate a female

This simple band-counting method enables reliable sex identification in birds.

Components

• PCR Master Mix (2X, Green)
• Primer Pair Mix
• Female Control Template
• Male Control Template 
• Ultrapure Water

Advantages

• This kit is user-friendly and convenient. The included PCR Master Mix (2X, Green) contains 2X loading buffer and is pre-mixed with blue and orange electrophoresis tracking dyes, giving it a green appearance. After PCR amplification, the reaction products can be directly analyzed by agarose gel electrophoresis—no additional loading buffer is required.

  • A single band indicates a male bird

  • Two distinct bands indicate a female bird

• This kit comes fully equipped. It provides all necessary reagents for avian sex identification—except for the sample genomic DNA—including:

  • PCR Master Mix (2X, Green)

  • Pre-optimized Primer Pair Mix

  • Female Control Template

  • Male Control Template

These components allow for straightforward sample testing and comparative analysis, making the process both efficient and reliable.

Storage

Store at –20ºC. Valid for one year.

Precautions

• It is recommended to divide the sample preparation room, the PCR reaction setup room, and the room for handling amplified products into three separate areas in sequential order to prevent product contamination. Typically, areas used for opening PCR tubes and performing gel electrophoresis should be located far from where samples are prepared and PCR reaction mixtures are set up.
• Testing has shown that repeated freeze-thaw cycles (up to 10 times) do not significantly affect the performance of this kit. However, repeated freeze-thawing should still be avoided whenever possible, as it may lead to a decline in product performance.
• This kit is intended solely for sex identification in non-ratite bird species. It is not recommended for use with ratites such as ostriches, cassowaries, rheas, emus, or kiwis.
• This product is for scientific research use only by qualified professionals. It must not be used for clinical diagnosis or treatment, nor for food or pharmaceutical applications. It should not be stored in residential settings.
• For your safety and health, please wear a lab coat and disposable gloves during operation.

Only for research and not intended for treatment of humans or animals

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SBS Genetech is a long-term sponsor of Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory