Molecular Sexing of Geese Using a Cloned Z Chromosomal Sequence with Homology to the W Chromosome
Year: 1990
Type: article
Abstract: At present, sexing of monomorphic birds and of the young of many dimorphic species is limited to surgical techniques (such as endoscopy), to chromosomal analyses, or to cloacal eversion. Surgery carries risks associated with high stress levels, infection, and anesthesia; and, in most cases, it can be performed only on mature birds and by trained personnel (Prus and Schmutz 1987). Chomosomal analysis is tedious and requires identification of the Z and W chromosomes (females are Z/W and males ZIZ) against a background of (often numerous) microchromosomes, as well as the establishment of cell cultures. This can be difficult with samples taken under field conditions. not a very practical technique for a larger number of birds, and the success rate has been shown to be relatively poor in Psittacines (Prus and Schmutz 1987). Cloacal sexing is reliable, but it is generally limited in its applicability to waterfowl. We report the isolation of a DNA segment of the Snow Goose (Chen caerulescens) Z chromosome, a segment that shows homology to the W chromosome and that allows a new approach to sex determination using DNA extracted from small blood samples. Blood is a very convenient tissue to sample and transport, and it consistantly yields high molecular weight DNA, even after storage at room temperature for more than
Authors: Thomas W. Quinn, Fred Cooke, Bradley N. White
Language: English
Subfield: Genetics
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2149333643