Fast sex identification in wild mammals using PCR amplification of the Sry gene

Abstract

Several primer sets were described for PCR amplification of the Sry gene that became very suitable method for sex identification in mammals. We tested applicability of two primer sets for sex identification in one bat and12 rodent species from Central Europe. Rapid DNA extraction with non-ionic detergents, which is very suitable for large-scale population studies, was used. Primers SRY-A from P o m p et al. (1995) did not amplify Sry fragment in males of Myotis myotis, four species of Microtus, and Clethrionomys glareolus, while amplification was successful in four species of Apodemus, two species of Mus, and Sciurus vulgaris. On the other hand, primers from S a n c h e z et al. (1996) gave clear Sry band in males of all tested species, only with one exception, i.e. male of Sciurus vulgaris.