Abstract
We evaluate the relative effectiveness of four methods for preserving faecal samples for DNA analysis. PCR assays of fresh faecal samples collected from free-ranging baboons showed that amplification success was dependent on preservation method, PCR-product size, and whether nuclear or mitochondrial DNA was assayed. Storage in a DMSO/EDTA/Tris/salt solution (DETs) was most effective for preserving nuclear DNA, but storage in 70% ethanol, freezing at -20 °C and drying performed approximately equally well for mitochondrial DNA and short (< 200 bp) nuclear DNA fragments. Because faecal DNA is diluted and degraded, repeated extractions from faeces may be necessary and short nuclear markers should be employed for genotyping. A review of molecular scatology studies further suggests that three to six faeces per individual should be collected.
Original language | English (US) |
---|---|
Pages (from-to) | 1423-1428 |
Number of pages | 6 |
Journal | Molecular ecology |
Volume | 7 |
Issue number | 10 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Oct 1998 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Apolipoprotein E
- Cytochrome c oxidase II
- DNA preservation
- Molecular scatology
- Noninvasive sampling
- Papio cynocephalus ursinus
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics
- Genetics