SKIN BIOPSY SAMPLING OF BELUGA WHALE CARCASSES - ASSESSMENT OF BIOPSYDARTING FACTORS FOR MINIMAL WOUNDING AND EFFECTIVE SAMPLE RETRIEVAL

Different combinations of biopsy tip lengths (20, 25 mm) and diameters (5, 6, 7 mm), crossbow draw weights (23, 45, 68 kg) and distances (1. 5-15 m) were tested on fresh beluga carcasses to determine factors aff ecting the success of biopsy retrieval and the extent of wounding. Tip s with smaller diameters and longer lengths were found to be more like ly to retrieve a skin sample, while the draw weight of the crossbow ha d a significant effect on the severity of the wound. The samples obtai ned from all biopsy darts tested yielded sufficient amounts of DNA for genetic analysis (20-109 mu g) with the highest yield coming from the germinativum spinosum layer. For beluga whales we recommend using a t ip of 5 mm in diameter, 25 mm in length, and a draw weight of 23 kg at dose range.