Molecular genetic analysis of ostriches

Summary

The application includes funding for trips to both Melbourne and South Africa for the collection of blood samples from ostrich flocks of confirmed pedigree for DNA analysis. DNA samples from family groups of known pedigree will facilitate confirmation that microsatellite alleles selected for pedigree analysis conform to Hardy Weinberg heritability expectations and therefore are suitable as a pedigree analysis system across randomly selected birds. Samples collected from the ostrich flock of Mr Michael Hastings in Victoria will provide an example of Australian Birds. Samples collected from the Klein Karroo research facility of the Institute of Agriculture in South Africa offer the largest flock of pair bred, known pedigree ostriches, in the world. In addition, whilst in South Africa, an egg placement experiment will be conducted. This will involve using the microsatellite based pedigree analysis system developed as part of this PhD project to describe the egg placement habits of the major female in a communal nest.

Program

New and Emerging Animal Industries

Research Organisation

University of Western Australia

Objective Summary

The application includes funding for trips to both Melbourne and South Africa for the collection of blood samples from ostrich flocks of confirmed pedigree for DNA analysis. DNA samples from family groups of known pedigree will facilitate confirmation that microsatellite alleles selected for pedigree analysis conform to Hardy Weinberg heritability expectations and therefore are suitable as a pedigree analysis system across randomly selected birds. Samples collected from the ostrich flock of Mr Michael Hastings in Victoria will provide an example of Australian Birds. Samples collected from the Klein Karroo research facility of the Institute of Agriculture in South Africa offer the largest flock of pair bred, known pedigree ostriches, in the world. In addition, whilst in South Africa, an egg placement experiment will be conducted. This will involve using the microsatellite based pedigree analysis system developed as part of this PhD project to describe the egg placement habits of the major female in a communal nest.