miniPCR® ZeeWee™ I Bird DNA Sex Test

Use PCR to determine if your chickens are male (ZZ) or female (ZW).

• Techniques: DNA extraction, PCR, gel electrophoresis

  Topics: Agricultural biotechnology, diagnostics

  Grade level: Advanced high school, college

  Time required: Can be completed in two 45-minute periods

Engage your students with a hands-on investigation that connects genetics to agriculture. In this lab, students use PCR to determine the sex of chickens through DNA analysis -an authentic application of biotechnology used by farmers and breeders. Unlike traditional visual methods that require expert training, DNA testing can identify chicken sex with 100% accuracy, even before the eggs hatch. This activity reinforces key genetics concepts while showing how biotechnology solves real-world challenges in food production.

 : This lab kit provides PCR reagents and tubes to test 32 bird samples +6 controls.