DETECTION OF BOVINE FETAL DNA FROM AMNIOTIC-FLUID USING THE POLYMERASE CHAIN-REACTION

The aims of this study were to evaluate the amount of amniotic fluid r equired for diagnosis of sex, milk protein and microsatellite variants by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and to review methods for isolatin g DNA from the amniotic cells. Uterine and foetal tissues were used as controls, and milk protein and microsatellite variants to check conta mination of maternal cells in the PCR. The results showed that the sam ples do not need to be purified after DNA release from the amniotic ce lls and that as little as 0.5-1.5 mi of amniotic fluid is sufficient f or reliable diagnosis by PCR.