Parental Determination Using Microsatellite Markers in Racing Pigeons Raised in Turkiye


Şentürk N., Çobanoğlu Ö., Ardıçlı S.

13th International Hippocrates Congress on Medical and Health Sciences, 15 - 16 Aralık 2023, ss.225-226

  • Yayın Türü: Bildiri / Özet Bildiri
  • Sayfa Sayıları: ss.225-226
  • Bursa Uludağ Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

Paternity testing is basically a scientific method used to determine the biological father of animals whose parentage is unknown. This method is used in populations where free mating is practiced, wild populations, and/or where pedigree records are incorrect. The domestic pigeon (Columba livia domestica) is a widespread bird species worldwide. Pigeons have been raised for various purposes and have undertaken different tasks since they were domesticated. Acquiring pedigree records and parental information plays a crucial role in the field of pigeon breeding. Molecular genetic analyses provide a dependable and swift assessment in this context. This study aimed to genotype pigeons raised in Turkey using microsatellite markers recommended by the International Society of Animal Genetics (ISAG) for individual identification and parentage testing of these avian species. Molted feathers from the wings and tails of 200 pigeons taken from the Turkish Poultry DNA Institute were used as DNA material. The calamus and superior umbilicus parts of the birds' feathers were cut into small pieces under sterile environmental conditions. DNA isolation was performed using the Nucleogene Isolation Kit. Initially, the accuracy of the genetic panel employed was tested using established parent and offspring lineages. The panel incorporates a set of primers for determining the sex as well. Genomic DNA was amplified using the nine markers recommended by the ISAG as a core panel. Considering the close relationship among pigeon breeds, the panel anticipates demonstrating accurate performance in various pigeon varieties. This expectation is based on the extensive use of the majority of markers in previous studies across different breeds. Consequently, in this study, a highly precise genotyping panel is evaluated, well-suited for applications in parentage verification and identity control for domestic pigeons. This fundamental procedure described here can be extended to both routine laboratory settings and forensic casework scenarios in avian species.