Non-invasive sex identification of the white-bellied  sea eagle (Haliaeetus leucogaster) through genetic analysis of feathers.
The white-bellied sea eagle, Haliaeetus leucogaster,  displays reversed sexual size dimorphism and is monomorphic for adult plumage  coloration. Early attempts to identify sex in sexually monomorphic birds were  based on morphological or chromosomal characters, but since avian W-specific  DNA sequences were identified, PCR amplification has become commonly used for  molecular sexing. We used a PCR test employing primers that amplify two  homologous fragments of both the CHD-W gene, unique to females, and the CHD-Z  gene, occurring in both sexes. This test was applied to five individuals of H.  leucogaster from the Malacca Zoo and to male and female domestic chickens, Gallus  domesticus, for comparison. All individuals were sexed successfully with  high reproducibility. We conclude that this PCR-based test with feathers as the  DNA source is a reliable sexing method for H. leucogaster. This sexing  technique is objective and non-invasive and could be used to test sex ratio  theories, as well as to help improve conservation and management actions for  captive breeding program of this species in Malaysia.
School of Biological Science, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Minden, Penang, Malaysia. darlinamdn@usm.my
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Naim
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Nor
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Baharuddin
D000818:Animals; D030161:Avian Proteins / Q000235:genetics*; D049628:Body Size / Q000235:genetics; D004268:DNA-Binding Proteins / Q000235:genetics*; D020307:Eagles / Q000235:genetics*; D005241:Feathers; D005260:Female; D008297:Male; D010858:Pigmentation / Q000235:genetics; D012727:Sex Characteristics; D012730:Sex Chromosomes / Q000235:genetics*
D030161:Avian Proteins; D004268:DNA-Binding Proteins