DNA-Based Testing for Avian Species
Applications:
- Parentage Verification
- Individual Identification for Studbook Registry
- Estimation of Genetic Variation for Breeding Management
- Population / Subspecies Differentiation
- Bird Sexing
Parentage Verification
- Scarlet/Waldrapp Ibises
In a study of mating/reproductive strategies in scarlet and Waldrapp ibises it was essential to verify parentage of alleged offspring of mated pairs. The autoradiograph at left depicts the DNA profiles of a nesting pair of scarlet ibises and their chick. Note that each genetic marker observed in the DNA profile of the chick can also be observed in the DNA profile of one or both adults thus verifying parentage. No scarlet ibis chicks were found to be the product of an extra pair copulation, however some Waldrapp chicks were “excluded” from being the offspring of the mated pair who's nest they were found in. |
Estimation of Genetic Relatedness
- Macaws
  A breeder of macaws had recently purchased
three young and allegedly unrelated birds (one male and two females) to add to her
breeding flock. Since the male and female B were constantly observed together, the breeder
wondered whether she should allow these birds to become a mated pair. DNA-profile testing
was conducted to determine the relatedness of the three macaws. The DNA profile results in
the figure to the right show a high proportion of shared bands or genetic markers (blue
arrows) between the male and female B. It was concluded that the male and female B were
probably related (possibly siblings) and therefore should not be paired. |
- Emus
  A rancher who had decided to begin raising emus
had purchased several male and female emus to pair together as breeding stock. Since no
data concerning the relatedness of the birds had been provided to the rancher, he decided
to have DNA profile testing conducted to avoid pairing of related birds. The figure to the
left shows the DNA profiles of 11 of the emus tested in the study. All possible
male-female pairs were examined genetically to determine relatedness. The genetic
similarity within pairs ranged from 28% to 82%, suggesting that some males and females
were probably siblings. Using the DNA data, the rancher chose to pair up males and females
which showed the least amount of genetic relatedness. By so doing, he avoided inbreeding
in his flock and should therefore expect higher egg/chick production. |
| Specimen Requirements | |||||||||||||
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Download the Adobe Acrobat version of this page (avian.pdf). |