DNA Analysis

A total of 108 blood samples were collected from a believed sample set of:

• 29 After Hatch Year-Males (AHY-M)
• 18 After Hatch Year-Females (AHY-F)
• 30 Hatch Year-Males (HY-M)
• 31 Hatch Year-Females (HY-F)

DNA sexing revealed that we had in fact sampled:

• 26 After Hatch Year-Males (AHY-M)
• 21 After Hatch Year-Females (AHY-F)
• 29 Hatch Year-Males (HY-M)
• 32 Hatch Year-Females (HY-F)

Out of 108 samples, we incorrectly assumed the sex of 20 individuals (18.52%). More females were incorrectly sexed as male (12/20 = 60%). More After Hatch Year soras were incorrectly sexed (11/20 = 55%).

Quantitative and qualitative data was collected in hopes to justify our current field sexing techniques to a 95% accuracy or create more accurate field sexing methods.

Quantitative data collected:

• Culmen length (mm)
• Tarsus length (mm)
• Toe length (mm)
• Weight (g)
• Fat (scored 0-5)

Qualitative data collected:

• AP
• Bill color
• Head slope