DNA sexing

10 Jul 2011, 23:34

Any ideas who to use thats a good price in australia for dna testing, I have currently used DNA Solutions for my test s, has been a few years since I last used them and now its telling me now to send the feathers to the states , last time it was victoria. The other company at the time was in south africa .

Any sugestions will be greatly appreciated...pete

11 Jul 2011, 00:39

Pete, I don't understand your dilemma. I just checked their website http://www.genescience.com.au/ and it still says to post the samples to Wantirna. I know they are dearer than MDS but I thought their prices were reasonable. I've never used them but as far as I know they are good and quick. You can also send them to Murdoch Uni (WA) http://www.saturnbiotech.com.au/contactus.html but I know nothing about them.

MDS send the sample to S Africa but they require blood, not just feathers. They are cheaper but take longer and, well, I'd rather just pluck a couple of feathers compared to drawing blood from the toenail, call me

but I've seen the mess a toenail cut too short makes

.

A quick internet search also threw up Curtin Uni (also WA), they seem reasonably priced if you quote this ad: http://www.petdirectory.com.au/?page=di ... &section=3 no idea if blood or feather sample is required.

11 Jul 2011, 08:10

I use Murdoch Uni & can highly recommend their service.

11 Jul 2011, 08:27

I have used several companies to do my DNA sexing.
It can be an expensive mistake if the company gets it wrong with regard the Weaver family.
There have been several mistakes and requests for more material over the years.
These days I only use DNA Solutions as I have not had one mistake and have had up to 60 tests in a year.
Their price is good ,they give you the material to send your samples in on, they email your results generally within a couple of days and then send
out the data sheet and the individual certificate for the particular bird
I also only get blood tests as they are in my opinion far more acurate.The little extra blood spilled out does not hurt the bird
and if you use a good pair of ordinary nail clippers all is fine.
Also I have asked the people from DNA Solutions to do an article on how and what to do for our Newsletter and Di will print when it arrives.

11 Jul 2011, 10:13

I've only done Lorikeets and have only used MDS so far..........very helpful, no problem getting blood using "Cec's modified method".......a bit over a week wait, one was inconclusive (my fault, not enough blood) so they did a repeat for free. Results came via E-mail followed by original & certificates in the post.

11 Jul 2011, 10:46

I will not use MDS again, they have cost me too much money due to not being accurate.
The inacurate findings were from birds I sold and also from birds I purchased.
Any way support Aust. facilities not Sth African.

11 Jul 2011, 10:56

Poitta,The Finch Soc Mag shows an add for Curtin Uni $16.00 per sample.Ph Prof Dr David Groth on 92667475 or 92667374.

11 Jul 2011, 13:04

Interesting Eorix.

I have heard some similar reports but in the main they (MDS) have been quite good.

The big problem is that all these companies have had reported failures at different times over the years. It's all about quality control both at the lab and at the collecting end ie not cross contaminating samples with other birds' DNA.

I would agree with support Australian, but the company you support had many well publicised failures in the past which led them to being run out of business for several years, before reappearing again a few years ago. If they have got their act together since, then good luck to them.

I just need a bit more convincing- once bitten twice shy ;)

PS- Sorry I missed you at Castle Hill. Only saw you from a distance, then vanished!!

11 Jul 2011, 17:43

NATAMAMBO i was using an old certificate with their web page obviously its out of date , BUSHRANGER have used david groth before but it took forever to get results , I got results in under 2 weeks from dna solutions, even sending them from here , it took four weeks from cutain , go figure plus at the time they had the same price....thanks guys for the replies...man its gone up in price .. wow was $ 16 for birds less than 5..will msg david and see what price he will give me...pete

11 Jul 2011, 18:41

DNA solutions . Had some tests done a few weeks ago and nothing had changed . Address , price and an email within days of receiving the samples (blood).