Efficiency of DNA Extractions Methods from Pigeons and Cockatiels Feathers

Year 2023, Volume: 6 Issue: 6, 636 - 642, 01.11.2023

Özden Çobanoğlu , Nursen Şentürk , Sena Ardıclı

https://doi.org/10.47115/bsagriculture.1364218

Cited By: 1

Abstract

This study aimed to compare different DNA extraction methods to achieve higher amounts and purity levels from molted feathers of pigeons (Columba livia f. domestica) and cockatiels (Nymphicus hollandicus). We evaluated 226 animals consisting of 202 pigeons and 24 cockatiels for these purposes. We performed three commercially available DNA extraction kits to isolate DNA from the feather samples. These kits were compared regarding DNA yield and quality depending on the different applications made during the isolation. DNA concentration (ng/mL) and absorbance ratio (260/280) were measured using a Nanodrop spectrophotometer. Kruskal-Wallis test with the Dunn’s post hoc comparison was performed for the statistical comparisons. The mean DNA concentration was the highest in isolation with the kit C. Among three commercial kits, statistically significant differences were observed concerning nucleic acid concentration (ng/µL) (P<0.001). Also, the best 260/280 nm ratio absorbance was obtained with the kit B, while the lowest purity was obtained from kit C. Moreover, the concentration and purity of DNA were detected as higher in cockatiels than in pigeons, and the significant differences were determined between birds based on spectrometric measurements (P<0.001). In conclusion, the reported findings in this study may be helpful for the DNA extraction from the feather samples collected non-invasively in the field for genetic analysis in birds.

Keywords

Feather, DNA extraction, Pigeon, Cockatiel, DNA quality, Spectrophotometer

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