A new method for molecular sex identification in the emu (Dromaius novaehollandiae)

1. Sex chromosomes of emus are largely homomorphic. Therefore, the standard methodology for molecular sexing based on screening intron length variations in sex-linked genes is not applicable. However, emu sexing requires costly and time-consuming PCR-RFLP or multiplex PCR methods.2. This experiment used a directed PCR amplification and capillary electrophoresis sexing protocol. Two distinct peaks were observed in females (ZW), while only one peak was observed in males (ZZ).3. This sexing technique proved to be rapid, non-invasive, and highly sensitive and may be useful for verifying the sex ratio and breeding management of emus.