Sexing of birds of Amazona aestiva (True Parrot) using PCR technique

Abstract

In most species of birds, it is not possible to identify the genus by the external phenotypic characteristics in young animals since the reproductive organs are internal. Therefore, as it is fundamental for breeders to carry out this sexual differentiation not only for the reproductive issue but also for the fact that in some species only males show certain characteristics such as song, it is extremely important to perform the sexing of birds through DNA analysis , which besides giving 99.9% reliability to the result, brings other advantages in relation to other techniques, such as the reduction of stress and the risk of damage to the bird and also the fact that it is applied from any age (ideal for the chicks). The objective of this work was to sex 13 birds of the species of Amazon aestiva (Papagaio-Verdadeiro) using the PCR technique. Since in birds the heterogametic sex is that of females, two bands were observed for this genus and only one was observed for males, with 5 males and 3 females being identified. From the results obtained it was possible to conclude that the PCR technique allowed to confirm the animals' genus in an efficient and non-invasive way, representing an important tool for targeting mating and conservation of the wild bird species.