Sex Determination of the Japanese Serow (Capricornis crispus) by Fecal DNA Analysis

In this study we extracted DNA from feces of the Japanese serow and developed a PCR-based sex identification method using the amelogenin gene. Fecal DNA was extracted by the phenol chloroform method with purification by the CTAB method. Analysis of PCR products showed clear female and male banding patterns with one homozygous band (AMEL XX) and 2 or 3 heterozygous bands (AMEL XY), respectively, with lengths of approximately 250 bp and 200-300 bp, respectively, by electrophoresis on 2% agarose gel. Determination of sex was possible for fecal samples collected from the rectum of Japanese serows in 38 of 40 individuals (95%), and the designations were completely consistent with determination by physical examination. Determination of sex was successful for 5 of 6 fecal masses (83.3%) collected in the Takizawa Forest, with 3 judged to be of female origin and 2 of male origin. As the sexual dimorphism of the Japanese serow is not remarkable, the sex determination method developed in this study can be used to estimate the sex based on field feces analysis.