DNA Extraction from Feather: Methods and Results

This article discusses the methods and results of DNA extraction from feathers, specifically for determining the gender of chickens. It covers the use of DNA isolation kits, PCR method, and gel electrophoresis. The importance of proper DNA storage and preservation is also highlighted.

Genetics and Genomics

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................3
METHODS .................................................................................................................................3
RESULTS ...................................................................................................................................6
CONCLUSION ...............................................................................................................................6
REFERENCES................................................................................................................................8

INTRODUCTION
Isolation of DNA is however a quite challenging it depends upon the type of organism
and the type of tissue used. As variability in DNA impacts the results of an outcome therefore it
becomes necessary to choose an good or best DNA isolation technology. There are various
methods which is used in order to extract DNA from animals. However sample of DNA is
collected by hair, blood, feathers, faeces, vomit, saliva, bone, teeth and tissue. These are some of
the ways which are used in order to collect DNA of animals.
As per the views of M Ghaheri & et.al., (2017), every organism consist of DNA.
(Deoxyribonucleic acid) in their cells. It is a complex molecule which consist of all information
which is necessary in order to maintain organism. However extraction of blood for sample is one
of the most common method which is used. The DNA which has been extracted is then analysed
as per the demands, quantity and quality. And the extracted DNA is surveyed by use of nano
drop spectrophotometry method and gel electrophoresis. There is no significant difference
between two of the methods of DNA purity. Other than this phenol/chloroform are the most toxic
method and takes more time but is higher than other methods (Vilstrup, J. T. & et.al., 2018).
In this experiment various methods will be used in order to determine the gender of
chicken as it is very difficult to know the gender of chicken the reason behind this can be, in
sexually demographic species different genders can be easily classified while it might not be
easy for monomorphic species. Therefore extraction of DNA might be useful in gender
determination hence this report will use all the three tissue types for determining sex. be
extracted from feathers.
METHODS
DNA extraction from feather
In order to find the gender of chicken Qiagen Dneasy Blood & Tissue kit has been used in order
to purify DNA from feathers. The feathers of chicks are collected and than it analysis has been
done. The DNA of chickens has been extracted by using the above mentioned purification kit.
And the DNA which was found has been analysed by using spectrophotometer. The samples
which has been collected is then electrophoresed in agarose gel in order to determine intensity of
band for extraction of DNA (Pandey & et.al., 2016).

Then all the results which has been found is compared with class results. In this method
as per Vilstrup, J. T. & et.al., (2018), a few feathers are plucked from top of head or breast and it
has been placed in ethanol. And then it is stored for few months at room temperature.
PCR Method
Then PCR method has been used in order to make the copies of DNA segment. All the
ingredients i.e., taq polymerase and PCR primers has been kept in container and repeated heating
to separate DNA and then it is cooled so primer can bind and again temperature is raised to
extend primer and synthesise new strand (Quick & et.al., 2017).
Gel electrophoresis Method

Then TAE buffer has been prepared by transferring 100ml of buffer abd then 2 gm of
agarose is added. After keeping this solution in oven ehtidium bromide has been added and the
solution so formed has been kept on comb. Then buffer solution has been placed in
electrophoretic chamber and after connecting electrode switch is on. Then gel has been placed in
UV transilluminator.
Nanodrop results
WEDNESDAY AM
Initials Sample Code A260/280 Concentration
(ng/uL)
DY, S B18 1.723 45.19
T,M B35 2.125 18.38
AJ, RA, ZM B40 1.756 29.7
NS,ZB B49 1.806 40.36
AT, AA B49b 1.89 39.52
AW,JM B51 1.748 25.93
LB,SK B51B 1.799 24.04
MS,LZ B61 1.915 42.06
AV KC F28 2.076 68.18
RA,JD F35 1.322 9.94
SP,R F37 1.557 4.3
AA,ZA F39 1.079 5.52
AP, LW F41 1.439 10.44
LZ, BATI M46 1.754 72.52
A,U M46 B 1.755 71.02

YS, NR, R M47 1.325 36.29
DG,ST M47 1.358 41.41
RM,PH,VA M48 1.643 61.95
D.G, S.S.W M50 1.019 78.92
EJ, FZ M51 2.109 15.05
ZS, SB M53 2.076 68.18
RESULTS
However extraction of DNA from feather has been proved successful. Figure 1 represents
about the gel electrophoresis which has been used in order to separate and identifying DNA of
chicken by using feather to collect sample. It has been done by using DNeDNA extraction and
purification. 2019.asy Blood and Tissue kit. In analysis it has been found that feather sample
which has been extracted is displayed poorly,
After electrophoresis sample has been diluted in concentration. By comparing the bands
in sample their approximate size can be determined. In this process if band is too faint then it is
left undiluted. Figure 2 represents gel electrophoresis by extraction of DNA by feather.
CONCLUSION
DNA extraction is required for molecular biology application. Many kits are available for
analysing DNA. The first and foremost step is to collect a sufficient amount of DNA and then
removing contamination from it and lastly ensuring quality and purity of DNA. The purity of
DNA depend upon the type of extraction method used. The DNA is extracted from animal
tissues and cells (Kaufmann & Pitt, 2018). However in study Dneasy blood and Tissue kit has
been used. It is used to isolate DNA from various sources such as blood, feather, tissue, insects,
hair etc., however in study feather has been used. The size of purified DNA is about 50kb in size.
The procedure of DNA extraction using this method takes about 20 minutes (A single plucked
feather as a source of DNA, 2019). The method which has been used which is gel
electrophoresis and PCR method is however a proven method for separation of DNA fragments.
The DNA has been extracted from blood clot of feather. This data sampling method is however
not as effective as that of other sampling methods. The reason behind this is that feather consist
of typically low DNA in comparison to blood and tissue. Even if the sample provide some result
it lacks quality in comparison to blood sample.
As this experiment has been conducted for a number of week. Therefore it becomes
extremely important that DNA has to be stored in a 4 degree C for weeks, while 20 degree C for

months and 80 degree C for years as per the general rule. As keeping DNA for long may result in
damage therefore proper preservation has be done. The DNA has been kept at room temperature
and importance of DNA has also been stated (DNA extraction and purification, 2019).

REFERENCES
Books and Journals
Vilstrup, J. T. & et.al., (2018). A simplified field protocol for genetic sampling of birds using
buccal swabs. The Wilson Journal of Ornithology. 130(1). 326-334.
Kaufmann, M. E., & Pitt, T. L. (2018). Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis of bacterial DNA.
In Methods in practical laboratory bacteriology. (pp. 83-92). CRC Press.
Quick, J. & et.al., (2017). Multiplex PCR method for MinION and Illumina sequencing of Zika
and other virus genomes directly from clinical samples. nature protocols. 12(6). 1261.
Pandey, U. & et.al., (2016). DNA from dust: comparative genomics of large DNA viruses in
field surveillance samples. Msphere. 1(5). e00132-16.
Online
A single plucked feather as a source of DNA. 2019. [Online]. Available through :
<https://sora.unm.edu/sites/default/files/journals/auk/v108n04/p0959-p0960.pdf>.
DNA extraction and purification. 2019. [Online]. Available through
<https://www.labome.com/method/DNA-Extraction-and-Purification.html>