chXout

Wildlife DNA testing from the Durham Genome Centre

chXout is a DNA testing service specialising in applied genetics for wildlife and ecology. The brand is owned by Complement Genomics Ltd, a molecular biology laboratory based at the Durham Genome Centre in Lanchester, County Durham. The laboratory states that it has provided contract services for over 25 years and has been conducting DNA bird sexing for 10 years, with more than 2,000 DNA tests since April 2000.

The service began, according to the company, with a request for DNA sexing of peregrine falcons, which led to the creation of chXout as its flagship non-human DNA testing service. Since then, the range has expanded to cover parentage testing in raptors and pigeons, sexing in a wide variety of non-dimorphic birds, beaver sexing, species identification for fungi, animals and plants, forensic analysis of bird strikes on aircraft, and bat and newt identification.

Bird sexing and species identification

The bird sexing service determines whether a bird is male or female at any age, using a feather, blood or eggshell membrane sample. Results are returned in 2–3 working days, with prices starting from £22. The company also offers bird species identification from a sample, including forensic analysis of bird strikes on aircraft, priced at £75.

For birds of prey, chXout provides DNA parentage testing to verify breeding programme records for falcons, hawks and eagles, with a price range of £72–£90. Pigeon parentage testing is available to confirm pedigree records for racing and show pigeons, priced between £55 and £165.

Fungi, bats and beavers

Fungi identification is carried out at species level using ITS DNA barcoding against the NCBI GenBank database, at a cost of £42. Bat species identification from droppings or other samples supports protected species surveys and is priced at £54–£66. Beaver sexing is offered for reintroduction and monitoring projects at £50.

The laboratory also handles newt identification and works with lichens, mosses and plant species. Its broader species database covers birds ranging from barn owls to hooded vultures, penguins to parrots, as well as insects, micro-organisms and butterflies, moths and bees through citizen science and research projects.

eDNA, air sampling and biosecurity

Beyond individual species testing, chXout offers air sampling for environmental monitoring using next generation sequencing (eDNA). The laboratory also provides microbial determination and pathogen detection for the AgBio and biosecurity sector, and supports protected species surveys for ecologists.

How the testing process works

Orders are placed directly with the laboratory and confirmed automatically by email. Customers then send their sample, checking postage requirements beforehand. The day the sample arrives at the lab is counted as day 0, and receipt is confirmed by email. Results are sent by email, and if they are ready early, they are sent early.

The company states that all testing is carried out in its UK laboratory and that samples are never sent overseas. If a result is not achieved on the first attempt, the experiment is repeated free of charge, subject to sample quality and quantity.

Who uses the service

chXout serves breeders, pet owners, ecologists and conservation professionals. The laboratory notes that many large clients have returned each breeding season since its DNA bird sexing service began. A dedicated customer service contact is provided for each client.