DNA Sex Identification Using Different Biological Samples from Four Companion Bird Species

Abstract

Most companion birds have no distinct sexual dimorphic traits. The aim of this study was to identify the CHD genes from sexual chromosomes of birds (ZW) from various tissue samples. Feathers, oral swabs, blood and various tissues (by necropsy) were collected from four companion bird species (Gallus gallus domesticus, Melopsittacus undulatus, Psittacus erithacus, Ara ararauna). Feathers were processed mechanically using the Tissue Lyser II. DNA isolation was performed using the Isolate II Genomic DNA, Bioline kit. PCR was performed according to Griffiths et al. (1998) using P2/P8 primers. Chicken whose DNA sexing was identified based on phenotypic characters, was confirmed by PCR. Budgerigars whose DNA sexing identified a male and female have been confirmed based on necropsy results. African Grey Parrot whose sex was identified by DNA sexing as female was confirmed based on a genetic sexing previously performed. The Blue and Yellow Macaw, whose sex was determined as male by DNA sexing, was confirmed based on necropsy results. DNA concentration was higher in blood samples than in oral swabs or feathers. Blood collection is considered an invasive procedure in birds. For feather samples, mechanical denaturation before DNA extraction is recommended. Oral swab samples are suitable for isolating and amplifying DNA in birds.