A low-cost efficient multiplex PCR for prenatal sex determination in bovine fetus using free fetal DNA in maternal plasma.

Background: In order to establish a reliable non-invasive method for sex determination in a bovine fetus in a routine setting, the possibility of identifying specific sequence in the fetal X and Y-chromosomes has been evaluated in maternal plasma using conventional multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis. The aim of this study was to provide a rapid and reliable method for sexing bovine fetuses.

Materials And Methods: In this experimental study, peripheral blood samples were taken from 38 pregnant heifers with 8 to 38 weeks of gestation.