Abstract: Methods of genotyping canines by analysis of polymorphisms in the number of microsatellite DNA repeats are provided. The internal repeat sequence is amplified by the use of specific primers. The number of repeats, and therefore the distance between the primers, is highly variable in a population, thereby providing an allelic marker for the locus. The combined information from multiple loci provides a means of distinguishing individuals, even among inbred dog breeds, for parentage testing, forensic testing and analysis of individuals relatedness.

Abstract: Avian nucleotide sequences for use as sex specific markers are provided. Probes or primers derived from the sequences find use in defining the sex of a bird, by producing hybridization patterns or amplification products that are sex-specific. For a given avian species the probes may hybridize to both Z and W chromosomes so as to differentiate between the two chromosomes on the basis of restriction fragment length polymorphisms. Alternatively, the probes may hybridize exclusively to one of the two sex chromosomes in some species. The sequences taught are also useful for the isolation of other nucleotide sequences that are sex specific markers.