DNA Extraction
DNA was successfully extracted from all blood/muscle tissue and feather
samples either following the DNA extraction protocol by Hillis et al.
(1996) based on CTAB reagent for feather and muscle tissue samples or
using the QIAamp DNA Mini Kit on blood samples using the manufacturer’s
protocol. DNA extraction methods were also developed for use with eggs
from captive hens. We obtained DNA by locating and dissecting the
perivitelline layer from the egg yolk, rinsing it in phosphate-buffered
saline solution and using the QIAamp DNA Investigator Kit to extract
DNA. The manufacturer’s ‘Bone and teeth’ extraction protocol was
followed due to the high calcium content.