A cheap and quick method for DNA-based sexing of birds

F. QUINTANA; G.C LÓPEZ; G.M SOMOZA

WATERBIRDS (DE LEON SPRINGS, FLA.)

WATERBIRD SOC

Año: 2008 vol. 31 p. 485 - 488

1524-4695

Although the collection of air-dried blood samples on filter paper has been used for field work as a routine, it has required the use of special and expensive types of paper. In the present manuscript the use of com- mon filter paper to collect and store air-dried bird blood samples is validated for its use in DNA based sexing tech- niques   with   a   very   simple   method   avoiding   DNA   purification   for   PCR.   This   method   not   only   simplifies   the laboratory work but also does not add any additional cost for DNA-based sexing techniques. The method was tested and successfully employed for sex determination by molecular techniques on blood samples taken on common fil- ter paper during different field trips from four seabird species.