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Genetically identical avian twins

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 April 1999

S. M. Bassett ,
M. A. Potter ,
R. A. Fordham  and
E. V. Johnston
S. M. Bassett
Affiliation:
Ratite Research Centre, Department of Ecology, Massey University, Private Bag 11-222, Palmerston North, New Zealand
M. A. Potter
Affiliation:
Ratite Research Centre, Department of Ecology, Massey University, Private Bag 11-222, Palmerston North, New Zealand
R. A. Fordham
Affiliation:
Ratite Research Centre, Department of Ecology, Massey University, Private Bag 11-222, Palmerston North, New Zealand
E. V. Johnston
Affiliation:
P.E.AgGen, 1756 Picasso Avenue, Davis, CA 95616-0549, U.S.A.
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Abstract

We report on the first established case of identical twinning in birds. The occurrence, genetic identity and subsequent development of identical emu (Dromaius novaehollandiae) twins is described, and comparisons drawn with single chicks hatched in the same season. The twin-bearing egg, significantly larger than any other egg in the same clutch, was artificially incubated and hatching assistance was necessary. At hatching the female twins were small, but their combined weight approximated that of a single chick from an egg of equivalent weight, and by 18 months of age they were near average in size. DNA analysis of blood collected from the twins showed a complete match with 22 bands per sample larger than 3.8 kb. The estimated probability of this occurring by chance was 1.0×10-13 in two unrelated emu and 1.0×10-6 in siblings, indicating a high probability that the twins were identical.

Keywords

identical twinsgenetic identityemuDromaius novaehollandiae
Type
Research Article
Information
Journal of Zoology , Volume 247 , Issue 4 , April 1999 , pp. 475 - 478
Copyright
1999 The Zoological Society of London

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