Cut feather containing rachis as a sampling way for avian sexing
Publication Type: |
Journal Article |
Year of Publication: |
2006 |
Authors: |
Lih-Chiann Wang, Chi-Tsong Chen, Hsiao-Yuan Lee, Shou-Hsien Li, Jihn-Tsair Lir, Shin-Chien Chin, Chang-En Pu, Ching-Ho Wang |
Publication/Journal: |
Zoo Biology |
Publisher: |
A Wiley Company, Inc., Wiley Subscription Services |
Keywords: |
chd1, intron, sex determination, stress |
ISBN: |
1098-2361 |
Abstract:
Abstract 10.1002/zoo.20083.abs Sex determination of birds is important to ensure successful breeding strategies, especially for endangered species. Most birds are vulnerable to stress during handling, however, so obtaining a sufficient amount of genomic DNA (gDNA) while causing the least amount of harm is a critical issue. Avian gender can be determined based on different CHD1 gene intron sizes in W and Z sex chromosomes. We have compared various specimen sources and have found that the rachis segment of a feather is a good DNA source for determining sex. This indicates that plucking the whole feather is not necessary; a cut feather including the rachis is a superior method because it decreases stress on the examined birds and is accomplished easily. Zoo Biol. 0:1–5, 2006. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc.