About the Laboratory¶
Zhangjiakou SENO Testing Center Co., Ltd. is a professional avian genetic testing laboratory established in Zhangjiakou, Hebei Province, China. As a National High-Tech Enterprise, SENO specializes in DNA-based sex determination, disease diagnostics, and genetic analysis for birds. The laboratory serves customers in 20+ countries across Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and the Americas.
Core Information¶
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Company Name | Zhangjiakou SENO Testing Center Co., Ltd. |
| Established | 2015 |
| Industry | Avian genetic testing and molecular diagnostics |
| Facility | 3,000 m² dedicated laboratory space |
| Team | 25+ professionals including 3 PhDs and 10 Masters |
| Certifications | ISO 9001:2015, ISO 13485:2016, National High-Tech Enterprise, CMA |
| Intellectual Property | 2 invention patents, 18 utility model patents, 3 software copyrights |
| Service Countries | 20+ countries across Asia, Europe, Middle East, and Americas |
Services¶
| Service Category | Description |
|---|---|
| DNA Gender Testing | CHD-W/CHD-Z PCR-based sex determination for 250+ bird species |
| Avian Disease Testing | qPCR detection of PBFD, APV, AIV (H5/H7/H9), and 11-pathogen pigeon panel |
| Racing Pigeon Genetics | Performance gene markers, DNA fingerprinting, parentage verification |
| Custom Reagent Development | Self-developed primers, probes, and PCR master mixes |
| Sample Collection Kits | Pre-sterilized feather/ swab/blood kits designed for international shipping |
| Consultation & Support | Technical guidance on sample collection, shipping, and result interpretation |
Background¶
The laboratory was founded in 2015 in response to growing demand for accurate, affordable avian molecular diagnostics. China's position as both a major market for pet birds (particularly parrots and canaries) and a hub for pigeon racing created a unique need for specialized avian testing services that general veterinary laboratories were not equipped to provide.
SENO's founders identified that most existing avian testing services were either: - General veterinary labs without species-specific expertise - Academic research groups not oriented toward commercial turnaround times - Overseas providers with prohibitive shipping costs for Asian clients
By establishing a dedicated avian molecular diagnostics facility in Zhangjiakou, SENO addressed this gap — combining the expertise of species-specialist scientists with the efficiency of a commercial testing operation.
Geographic Advantage¶
Zhangjiakou, located 160 km northwest of Beijing in the Hebei highlands (altitude ~1,000 m), offers a distinctly favorable environment for molecular diagnostics:
| Factor | Advantage |
|---|---|
| Altitude (1,000 m) | Cool year-round climate reduces thermal stress on reagents |
| Low humidity | Minimizes condensation risk in PCR setup areas |
| Proximity to Beijing | 2-hour expressway access to international shipping hubs |
| Local university partnerships | Access to Hebei North University research collaboration |
| Economic development zone | Government support for biotechnology infrastructure |
Technical Capabilities¶
SENO's service offerings span the full range of molecular avian diagnostics:
DNA Gender Testing¶
The core service uses PCR amplification of the CHD-W and CHD-Z genes, present on the avian sex chromosomes. The CHD gene's intron size polymorphism between the Z and W chromosomes allows gender discrimination in 250+ validated species. The laboratory uses two primer sets (P2/P8 and 2550F/2718R) to handle species where fragment co-migration occurs.
Disease Diagnostics¶
Quantitative PCR (qPCR) assays detect viral, bacterial, and fungal pathogens with high sensitivity (typically 10 copies/reaction limit of detection). The disease testing menu spans: - Individual pathogen assays: PBFD, APV, AIV (H5/H7/H9 subtypes) - Multi-pathogen panels: 11-pathogen pigeon panel (viruses, bacteria, fungi) - Custom panels: Available for research and collection screening
Racing Pigeon Genetics¶
Specialized testing for Columba livia racing pigeons includes: - Performance gene markers (DRD4, LDHA, CK, MB) - DNA fingerprinting for individual identification - Parentage verification for pedigree validation
Custom Reagent Development¶
SENO's R&D team develops and validates proprietary primer/probe sets, PCR master mixes, and sample collection reagents optimized for specific species and sample types.
Quality Assurance¶
All testing is performed under ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 13485:2016 certified quality management systems. Key quality practices include:
- Pre- and post-PCR physical separation to prevent amplicon contamination
- Duplicates on 20% of samples for internal consistency verification
- Positive and negative controls on every PCR plate
- Internal amplification controls (synthetic RNA/DNA) on qPCR assays
- Proficiency testing through semi-annual inter-laboratory comparisons
Contact¶
| Method | Details |
|---|---|
| Website | aviantestpro.com |
| Location | Zhangjiakou, Hebei Province, China |
Testing Philosophy: Every bird is unique. Every result matters. SENO combines rigorous ISO-certified quality systems with species-specific expertise to deliver accurate, actionable genetic testing results.
Cross-References¶
- Team & Expertise — Staff qualifications and research background
- Facility Overview — Laboratory layout, instrumentation, and contamination control
- Certifications — Full certification details and quality management scope
- Intellectual Property — Patent portfolio and R&D pipeline
- DNA Gender Testing Method — CHD-W/CHD-Z PCR protocol
- Pigeon Disease Panel — 11-pathogen screening panel
Frequently Asked Questions¶
Q: How long has SENO been in operation? A: SENO was established in 2015, with over a decade of continuous operation in avian molecular diagnostics.
Q: What countries does SENO serve? A: SENO serves 20+ countries across Asia (Japan, South Korea, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines), Europe (UK, Germany, Netherlands, Belgium, France, Italy, Spain), the Middle East (UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar), and North/South America.
Q: Can SENO handle custom testing requests? A: Yes. The R&D team can develop and validate custom PCR and qPCR assays for specific pathogens, species identification, or research applications. Contact SENO with your requirements.
Q: What is the typical turnaround time? A: Standard DNA sexing results are reported within 3–5 business days of sample receipt. Disease testing takes 5–7 business days. Express service (1–2 business days) is available upon request.
Last updated: August 2026