DNA sexing in birds: UVAS research team develops facility

The University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (UVAS), institute of biochemistry and biotechnology research team has developed facility of "DNA sexing in birds", which is now available commercially for bird lovers.
In the past phenotypic identification of sex was very difficult in various species of birds causing problems in pairing for breeders and bird lovers. IBBT took this challenge and after extensive lab work we are now able to develop molecular markers, which can detect gender using DNA information with 100 percent reliability.
Director IBBT Professor Dr Masroor Elahi Baber said that 'molecular biology and genomics lab is already offering its services in the field of animal forensics and have solved successfully many cases referred by police, court and custom department'.
While addressing the 3-day final evolution of DVM internship programme 2011" vice chancellor of University Veterinary and Animal Sciences(UVAS) Professor Dr Muhammad Nawaz has urged upon the final year DVM students to bring a revolution in the livestock, poultry and dairy sectors at the grassroots level through the use of technology, expertise and knowledge to improve the national economy.
The function was organised by dean faculty of veterinary sciences Professor Dr Nasim Ahmad. An evaluation committee comprised the dean faculty of animal production and technology Professor Dr Talat Naseer Pasha, dean faculty of bio-sciences Professor Dr Ijaz, dean faculty of veterinary sciences Professor Dr Nasim Ahmad, dean faculty of fisheries and wildlife Professor Dr Muhammad Akram also participated and evaluated the student's practical performance in this regard.
Dr Nawaz explained that livestock population is increasing despite the illegal animal smuggling. While quoting the Economic Survey 210-2011 Dr Nawaz said that the cattle population is increased by 1.3 million as compared last year 34.3 million and buffalo population increased 0.9 million. He also said that the role of DVM is very crucial to pay its attention and services to uplift such growing sector.