Applied molecular biology to the rational management of ostriches

• Grant number: 01/08612-8
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Innovative Research in Small Business - PIPE
• Start date: June 01, 2002
• End date: February 28, 2006
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Biochemistry - Molecular Biology
• Principal Investigator: Adriana Medaglia
• Grantee: Adriana Medaglia
• Company: DNA Consult Genética e Biotecnologia S/S Ltda
• City: São Carlos

Abstract

The ostrich industry is growing at a very fast pace in Brazil and in other countries, representing a world market in the order of millions of dollars. Brazil is considered internationally the country with the greatest potential for rearing this bird.Molecular biology techniques allow forms of rational management, providing an increase in the profitability in breeding for slaughter and reproduction, as well as possibilities for the early commercialization of animals. This proposal aims to develop and implement technology for the carrying out of genetic analysis in ostriches, from the collection of material in the field to the formulation of reliable products and services for the community of breeders. Productivity can be improved through the genetic selection of matrixes. The briefest description of genetic relationships diminishes the possibility of loss of genetic variability and even allows for the certification of the origin of the chicks. The sexing of very young animals, today carried out by cloacal examination, is difficult to interpret, generates errors and even causes stress, infections and lesions which prevent the commercialization of the bird. The objective of this study is to create improvements in the commercialization of very young chicks reliably sexed, as well as improving productivity, using matrixes that are not related. (AU)