An evaluation of DNA sample source and molecular markers to determine gender in the short‐beaked echidna (Tachyglossus aculeatus)

Author:

Hulse Lyndal1,Tomsett Caitlin1,Roser Alice2,Clark Lauren2,Meer Haley2,Pyne Michael2,Fenelon Jane C.3ORCID,Renfree Marilyn B.3,Johnston Stephen1

Affiliation:

1. School of Agriculture and Food Science The University of Queensland Gatton Australia

2. Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary Currumbin Australia

3. School of BioSciences The University of Melbourne Victoria Australia

Abstract

AbstractThe short‐beaked echidna is sexually monomorphic such that gender identification without veterinary intervention is challenging. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the most optimal noninvasive genetic source by extracting echidna genomic DNA (gDNA) from fecal scats, plucked hair, and quills to perform genetic sex testing using a range of molecular markers. Sex determination of 14 captive short‐beaked echidnas was determined by amplifying isolated DNA from noninvasive samples, targeting two Y chromosome (male‐specific) genes (mediator complex subunit 26 Y‐gametologue [CRSPY] and anti‐Müllerian hormone Y‐gametologue [AMHY]), in addition to four confirmed sex‐specific RADseq markers. Results of noninvasive samples were compared with blood samples and clinical records. Receiver operating characteristic curves were used to assess accuracy of sex determination of markers for each sample type. The gender of the echidnas was successfully identified on 75% of occasions using fecal samples, 90.6% occasions using hair, and 84.6% occasions with quills. Overall, the male‐specific RADseq markers accurately identified the sex of echidnas with all sample types for 90% of animals; compared with 81.5% using CRSPY, and 82.0% using AMHY to identify sex. Collection of hair, quills, and feces provides a useful alternative to invasively collected samples, however, the accuracy of results depends on sample type and genetic marker selected. We found gender determination in the short‐beaked echidna was most accurate using four male‐specific RADseq markers on gDNA isolated from blood and hair. The noninvasive genetic sexing techniques documented here will inform and facilitate husbandry and genetic management of captive echidna populations.

Funder

Australian Research Council

Publisher

Wiley

Subject

Animal Science and Zoology,General Medicine

同舟云学术

1.学者识别学者识别

2.学术分析学术分析

3.人才评估人才评估

"同舟云学术"是以全球学者为主线,采集、加工和组织学术论文而形成的新型学术文献查询和分析系统,可以对全球学者进行文献检索和人才价值评估。用户可以通过关注某些学科领域的顶尖人物而持续追踪该领域的学科进展和研究前沿。经过近期的数据扩容,当前同舟云学术共收录了国内外主流学术期刊6万余种,收集的期刊论文及会议论文总量共计约1.5亿篇,并以每天添加12000余篇中外论文的速度递增。我们也可以为用户提供个性化、定制化的学者数据。欢迎来电咨询!咨询电话:010-8811{复制后删除}0370

www.globalauthorid.com

TOP

Copyright © 2019-2024 北京同舟云网络信息技术有限公司
京公网安备11010802033243号  京ICP备18003416号-3