DNA sex determination (AllWSex2/ZW marker) - Sturgeon

DNA Sex Determination in Sturgeon

With this DNA sex determination test for sturgeon, we use qPCR to investigate whether the AllWSex2 marker, which is associated with the female sex, is present in the DNA. A result of Z/W is reported as female, while Z/Z is reported as male.

This is particularly valuable in sturgeon, because male and female animals are often difficult to distinguish externally. Especially in young animals, visual sex determination is usually not reliable. A DNA test can provide clarity at a much earlier stage, so that important decisions in rearing and planning do not have to be unnecessarily delayed.

For aquaculture, this information is directly useful. In caviar production, early identification of female animals is important to build groups in a targeted way, plan production more effectively, and use available space and feed more efficiently. In breeding programmes, the result also helps with the selection of parent animals and the composition of balanced breeding groups.

In addition, this test can also offer added value in ornamental fish breeding, where early knowledge of sex can be useful for group composition, future breeding choices and targeted follow-up of valuable animals. The analysis is applicable to sturgeon species as well as hybrids.

Benefits

• early clarity about the sex
• no labor-intensive sex determination via ultrasound or other more burdensome monitoring methods
• targeted selection of female animals for caviar production and early culling of male animals
• potential savings in feed, space and rearing costs because animals can be kept more selectively
• better planning of stocking, tank allocation and production groups, which can simplify management and support health monitoring
• practical support for breeding decisions, breeding strategy and the composition of balanced groups
• applicable to sturgeon and hybrids, making the test broadly usable