Bird sexing - acredited test

Test can be made from the blood inserted into EDTA tubes (sufficient quantity is 100 to 200 µl of blood) or from feathers.

Determinining of bird's sex is performed using Griffits method (Griffits et. al. 1998). The analysis consists in determining the genotype of CHD1 gene (chromo-helicase DNA binding protein). Sex of birds is determined by sex chromosomes Z and W. Hens are heterogametic; their genome contains ZW combination of sex chromosomes. Cocks are homogametic; their genome contains ZZ set of chromosomes. Based on the evidence of presence or absence of W chromosome (W chromosome specific sequences) sex of unknown individuals can be determined.

The Griffits methodology is not relevant for Apodiformes and Strigiformes.

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References:
Griffiths, R. , Double M., Orr K., and Dawson R.: A DNA test to sex most birds. Molecular Ecology (1998) 7, 1071-1075