An evaluation of DNA sample source and molecular markers to determine gender in the short‐beaked echidna (Tachyglossus aculeatus)
The 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...
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| Published in: | Zoo biology Vol. 43; no. 1; pp. 92 - 99 |
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| Main Authors: | , , , , , , , , |
| Format: | Journal Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
United States
Wiley Subscription Services, Inc
01-01-2024
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| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | Get full text |
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| Summary: | The 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.
Echidnas are sexually monomorphic so that gender determination is a challenge, particularly in juveniles. This paper describes molecular techniques based on a range of DNA sourced sample types to facilitate gender identification.
Research highlights
Noninvasive genetic sampling provides potential for sex determination in animal species that lack easily identifiable sexually dimorphic characteristics such as the short‐beaked echidna.
This manuscript presents new information on the efficiency of gender identification using DNA isolated from noninvasive samples, including hair, quills, and feces; amplified with a suite of male‐specific genetic markers, and includes assessment of sex identification accuracy of genetic markers for each sample type. |
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| Bibliography: | ObjectType-Article-1 SourceType-Scholarly Journals-1 ObjectType-Feature-2 content type line 23 |
| ISSN: | 0733-3188 1098-2361 |
| DOI: | 10.1002/zoo.21809 |