Optimization of PCR for sexing birds

Sex determination was performed in 116 birds out of 30 different species by a PCR based method. In contrast to other methods already published genomic DNA of feather material was isolated and used as a sample. Furthermore optimization of PCR allowed to substitute the semi-nested PCR by a conventional PCR method, resulting in less costs and time consumption and risk of contamination by amplified DMA. 89 out of 116 results were verified by endoscopy, post mortem examination, or by a moleculargenetic method performed in another laboratory. There was a total conformity between the results of the different methods. Because sequence information of the investigated region of the CHD genes exists for only a few species, this work indicates that this region is highly conserved and can be used as an ideal molecular tool for determination of gender.