Chick Sexing with Excretory Steroids Possible, Probable, Not Yet Practical

Abstract

Watchbird readers have been informed about the historic developments of fecal steroid analysis and its utility as a non-invasive sexing method for adult birds (Bercovitz, 1981). Its potential for sexing newly hatched chicks was also discussed (Bercovitz et al., 1984). The AFA has had a direct involvement in this research, through its encouragement and financial support. Reported here are the summary results from our second AFA research grant (funded 10-23-84). It is an end to a beginning, success achieved with three captivebred species and a solid foundation for applications to many other rare and endangered species. The only unfortunate aspect of this near ideal chick sexing method is indicated in the subtitle; it is not yet practical or available to AFA...
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References

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