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DNA FINGERPRINTING PROFILE

A registry for Blue Throat Macaws and Hyacinth Macaws can serve the purpose of identifying individuals in an unprecedented way. Registry in this case will be defined as AVID microchip # or Closed Band (to be replaced with a microchip once it is removed), as well as a DNA profile.

The DNA, performed by an experienced laboratory, serves as proof of parentage (for export, in the case of theft or fraud, and for questionable death issues), and of degree of production (undisputable proof of offspring).

Many people claim that microchips must be "registered". But the microchip information that comes with each chip would be passed on to any new owner like the title to a car. Anyone claiming ownership would have the original "stickers" as well as a proof of sale. The original implantation would be documented in the original veterinary records or in the breeding farm records.

Keeping such a registry for a species will also serve to promote the shuffling of genetic lines, to avoid relative inbreeding in such a small gene pool. Offspring can be more readily exported because the proof of F2 status exists completely or even partly in the registry files, and would be available with the written permission of the owners.

DNA profiles require a small blood sample, kept on ice. Results are obtained in approximately 4-5 weeks, along with any requested statement of relatedness (e.g. parent, offspring, sibling, 'once removed' relationship, or none at all).

Dr. Thomas Goldsmith, DVM