Identification of sex in chickens by flow cytometry

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

3-1-2003

Abstract

In chickens, the difference in DNA content between the Z and W sex chromosomes is measurable as a 2% greater amount of DNA in cells of males (ZZ) vs. females (ZW). High-resolution measurement of cellular DNA content (genome size) is possible by use of flow cytometry. In this technique, nuclei are stained with a nucleic-acid specific fluorochrome, and are passed single-file through a high-intensity light source such as a laser beam. The fluorescence emitted from each nucleus is directly proportional to the amount of DNA present, and can be used to quantify genome size on a per-cell basis. This technique is rapid (two or three samples per minute after a 10-minute staining period), accurate, and straightforward. Commercially available clinical and research instruments are generally expensive (US$80,000 to 400,000), but it may be possible to couple the principles of flow cytometry with existing egg handling equipment to enable rapid throughput for identification of sex in chicks before hatching.

Publication Source (Journal or Book title)

World's Poultry Science Journal

First Page

25

Last Page

32

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