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title: "Sexing albatrosses and petrels from faecal and tissue samples utilizing real time PCR assays"
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# Sexing albatrosses and petrels from faecal and tissue samples utilizing real time PCR assays

Cassandra Faux ([Australian Antarctic Division](http://www.antarctica.gov.au/)) and colleagues present a method for sexing seabirds from tissue and faecal samples in the journal [*Theriogenology*](http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/journal/0093691X), tested on Black-browed *Thalassarche melanophris* and Shy *T. cauta* Albatrosses and Northern *Macronectes halli* and Southern *M. giganteus* Giant Petrels.

 The paper’s abstract follows:

 “Sex identification of birds is of great interest in ecological studies, however this can be very difficult in many species because their external features are almost monomorphic between the sexes.  Molecular methodology has simplified this process but limitations still occur with widely accepted methods using PCR and gel electrophoresis, especially when applied to degraded DNA.  Real time PCR assays are emerging as a more efficient, sensitive and higher throughput means of identification, but there are very few techniques validated utilising faecal samples and small target sizes.  We present a real time melt curve analysis assay targeting a small region of the CHD-1 gene allowing for high-throughput, sensitive, specific and easy to interpret sexing results for a variety of southern ocean seabirds using faecal and tissue samples.”

 ![](https://www.acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/S/Shy/Albatross Island Rachael Alderman 5.jpg)

 Shy Albatrosses on Albatross Island, photographed by Rachael Alderman

 **Reference:**

 Faux, C., McInnes, J.C. & Jarman, S.N. 2014.  High-throughput real time PCR and melt curve analysis for sexing southern ocean seabirds using faecal samples.  [*Theriogenology* doi:10.1016/j.theriogenology.2013.12.021](http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0093691X13005372)

 *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 27 January 2014*