Boy or girl? Avian DNA sexing technology has the answer!

Gender identification of exotic avian species is very important for veterinary, behavioral and ecological aspects. Further, this information is invaluable for the aviculturist and breeder as it directly related to their business. Visual inspection of adult birds is sufficient for sexually dimorphic species, but nestlings and monomorphic species are very difficult or impossible. The current investigation was aimed to develop a DNA based molecular techniques and standardizing of its operating procedures (SOPs) for rapid and reliable gender identification of selected avian species available in Bangladesh. Blood and mature feather samples were considered for DNA extraction. Polymerase chain reaction was performed using two sets of primers (P2/P8 and 2550F/2718R) to amplify Chromo-Helicase-DNA-binding gene (CHD) which is present on both the W and Z chromosomes. The intron differs in size between the two sex chromosomes which gives identical bands for male and female. We have already optimized SOP for 23 pet bird species available in Bangladesh. This novel technique and SOPs that standardized by us will not only help the aviculturist, pet bird breeders and the pet bird lovers to know the sex of their birds accurately but also contribute largely to ecological research and wildlife conservation in Bangladesh.