Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) is a Useful and Low-Cost Tool for Molecular Sexing Psittaciformes under Human Care: An Example of a Collaborative Approach in Mexico

ABSTRACT

Sex determination in monomorphic birds is a precondition for captive breeding programs and management and conservation strategies for threatened species. Most species of the order Psittaciformes often present complications since these birds lack external sexual phenotypic traits, making it impossible to differentiate males and females. In the present study, we used molecular techniques to determine the sex of 31 individuals belonging to nine species of the order Psittaciformes kept under human care at the Akumal Monkey Sanctuary & Rescued Animals in Quintana Roo, Mexico. This is a useful and low-cost methodology based on the analysis of the conserved region of the CHD1 gene, which was amplified by PCR with two sets of primers: P8/P2 and 2550F/2718 R. All individuals were successfully sexed with the first set of primers, while only 28 out of 31 samples (90%) could be amplified with the second set. Out of the 31 individuals analyzed, fifteen are female, and seventeen are male. This information represents a handy tool for adequately managing birds under human care, resulting in their reproduction and eventual reintegration into their natural habitat.

Graphical Abstract

KEYWORDS:

• Ara
• CHD1 gene
• macaws
• molecular markers
• PCR

Acknowledgments

Thanks to Akumal Monkey Sanctuary & Rescued Animals for their interest, willingness, and all the facilities provided for this study. To Fundación Sanctuary Akumal for the funding provided. To Luisa Fernanda Herrera, Paulina de la Vega, Ana Bernal, Mariana Suárez, Montserrat Arrazola, and Daniel Tamayo veterinary medicine interns who participated in the sample collection. To Karla Liszeth Tapia Fierro for her support in the laboratory work. To Jorge Ramos-Luna for his support in editing the photographic material.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This research project was funded by the Fundación Santuario Akumal.