Sex Determination in 58 Bird Species and Evaluation of CHD Gene as a Universal Molecular Marker in Bird Sexing

The aim of this research was to test the CHD gene ( C hromo H elicase DNA ‐binding gene) as a universal molecular marker for sexing birds of relatively distant species. The CHD gene corresponds to the aim because of its high degree of conservation and different lengths in Z and W chromosomes due to different intron sizes. DNA was isolated from feathers and the amplification of the CHD gene was performed with the following sets of polymerase chain reaction ( PCR ) primers: 2550 F /2718 R and P2/ P 8. Sex determination was attempted in 284 samples of 58 bird species. It was successful in 50 bird species; in 16 of those ( Alopochen aegyptiacus , Ara severus , Aratinga acuticaudata , Bucorvus leadbeateri , Cereopsis novaehollandiae , Columba arquatrix , Corvus corax , C. frugilegus , Cyanoliseus patagonus , Guttera plumifera , Lamprotornis superbus , Milvus milvus , Neophron percnopterus , Ocyphaps lophotes , Podiceps cristatus, and Poicephalus senegalus ), it was carried out for the first time using molecular markers and PCR . It is reasonable to assume that extensive research is necessary to define the CHD gene as a universal molecular marker for successful sex determination in all bird species (with exception of ratites). The results of this study may largely contribute to the aim. Zoo Biol 32:269–276, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.