Testing for Blue Egg Gene
3/18/2022
The American Silverudd's Blue Association will no longer be provides DNA analysis for the blue egg gene Though the lab in Germany. Instead you are encouraged to use iQ Bird Testing a U.S. Based Genetic Testing lab in Miami, FL. With this lab you can send your own samples for DNA testing. Cost is $20-$25 per sample (depending on if you send blood or feather samples). This is a vital test for every breeder as we work together to insure that all Silverudd's Blues in the U.S. produce 100% green eggs consistently.
About this test:
Commonly Brown and white are the two major eggshell colors in chickens. Protoporphyrin-IX, biliverdin, and biliverdin zinc chelate are the main pigments of the eggshell and several blue egg laying breeds. The Araucana, an indigenous breed from Chile, was the first chicken breed described to lay blue eggs, and has been frequently used in genetic studies of the blue eggshell phenotype. Blue eggshell color exhibits an autosomal dominant inheritance and eggs laid by homozygotes are a darker blue than those from heterozygotes. In 1933, Punnett firstly reported that blue or green shell appearance was determined by a single genetic factor, traditionally denoted as oocyan (O). In IQ Genetics our test determines the following genotypes:
o/o (white/brown egg)
o/O (heterozygotes blue egg)
O/O (homozygotes BLUE egg).
Have your birds tested is as easy as 1,2,3.
1) Download the blood sample collection card here: https://orders.iqbirdtesting.com/sample_form_v3.pdf
2) Go to https://orders.iqbirdtesting.com/order-bird-dna-test/ and scroll down to the “Special Tests” area. You will see choices for feather or blood testing. Choose which option you want. You will need to register to order the test. Online payment will be available. Payment can also be made by PayPal. Do NOT send checks or cash.
3) Collect your samples & ship.
The average turnaround time for testing is about 7 business days after we receive the sample. Please take into account that the lab is closed Saturdays and Sundays.
How To Collect Samples
When sending the samples in for testing. An incorrect collection of samples may cause delays in your bird’s results or even affect the outcome due to sampling DNA cross-contamination.
For All Sample Collection:
Read the instructions on How to place the order online after you choose the start a new online order button below.
Place online order and print our sample forms
Clean and disinfect instruments and wash hands before, during and after sample collection.
Make sure to have the correct sample form near the birds’ area. Make sure the BIRD ID matches with the one you are testing.
When taking a blood sample, you only need 1-2 drops of blood. No need to fill out the whole circle.
When plucking feathers, you may either put the on a Ziploc bag or tape them to the sample form. Make sure to never touch/tape the tip of the feather.
You can send several samples in one envelope
