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A New DNA Test for Sexing Birds on Your Farm!

Get Your Ducks (and Geese, Turkeys, Quail, Peacocks!) in a Row with ZeeWee III™ DNA Sexing!

For breeders of diverse fowl, accurately determining the sex of young birds can be a significant challenge. Now, with ZeeWee III™ Bird DNA Sex Test you can gain definitive answers right on your farm!

The Science of Sexing Your Flock

DNA Bird sex determination is based on their unique ZW chromosomal system (unlike the XY system in mammals). Males are ZZ, and females are ZW. Our ZeeWee III™ test targets specific DNA markers on these chromosomes, allowing for precise identification. This molecular approach eliminates the guesswork and provides accurate results in hours.

Which Species Can I Test?  

The test will work on geese, ducks, turkeys, quail, and peacocks. Indeed, ZeeWee III™ has been validated using samples from Cairina moschata, Anas platyrhynchos domesticus, Anser cygnoides, Anser anser, Coturnix coturnix, Meleagris gallopavo, and Pavo cristatus samples with miniPCR® equipment.

This kit is not suitable for sexing chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus), where ZeeWee I is recommended.

Not sure if the kit will work for your winged friends? Contact us at dx@minipcr.com!

Example of result using our ZeeWee III™ test. Males show only one upper band, females show either two bands or one lower band.

How the ZeeWee III™ DNA Test Works 

Our ZeeWee III™ Bird DNA Sex Test is user-friendly and designed for on-farm use. The kit includes all necessary reagents and PCR tubes. The process is straightforward and involves three key steps:

  • Set up & Lysis: Prepare the reaction Extract the DNA from a previously blood spot blotted on paper o a plucked feather with a simple 10 min incubation in DNA Extraction Buffer (provided).
  • PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction): Amplify the target DNA using primers that produce specific band patterns based on sex.
  • Gel Electrophoresis: Separate the DNA fragments by size on a gel.
    • Two bands or one lower band = female
    • Upper band only = male

Process overview for our in-house testing. Get results in 3 hours, with less than 30 minutes hands-on work for processing 8 samples!

What do I  need to perform DNA testing?

How to start

For on-farm DNA testing, you need a kit, gel electrophoresis supplies, plastic consumables, and basic equipment.  We’ve bundled everything for easy setup! 

Good news: equipment is a one-time purchase!

Keep testing

For refills, order the kit, gel electrophoresis supplies, and plastic consumables (microtubes and filter tips) online. For convenience, the Learning Lab Companion Kit includes microtubes and gel electrophoresis materials to keep testing seamlessly.

A user-friendly DNA test for birds 

With the ZeeWee III™ Bird DNA Sex Test, you gain the power to make precise, timely decisions about your ducks, geese, turkeys, quail, and peacocks. Take control of your breeding, optimize your resources, and ensure the future success of your flock.

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