ABSTRACT
In many birds, especially in monomorphic species and breeds, it is difficult to distinguish between sexes due to lack of phenotypic differences. Originally, sex identification was based on behavioural observations, structure of the pelvis and certain anatomical features. Direct methods, such as endoscopy, laparoscopy and laparotomy, have been widely criticized for being highly invasive, stressful and difficult, especially when the size of birds is considered. Karyotyping fails in some species (ostrich, emu) due to similarity of their sex chromosomes and can be used only in case of the species with heteromorphic female ZW sex chromosomes. With the advances of molecular diagnostics new methods of sex identification have been developed and these include hybridization and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). An effective method of sex identification in pigeons uses CHD1 gene, which is present both in Z and W chromosomes.
Support the magazine and subscribe to the content
This is premium stuff. Subscribe to read the entire article.