Tarun Karthick
Port Blair, 23 February 2024
The ICAR-Central Island Agricultural Research Institute (ICAR-CIARI), located in Port Blair, has been awarded a patent for their invention titled “Method of Determining the Sex of Non-Ratite Birds.” This patent, granted on February 21, 2024, marks a significant advancement in the field of avian research.
The innovative method devised by the team at ICAR-CIARI offers a streamlined approach to determining the sex of non-ratite birds, particularly focusing on poultry birds. By effectively conserving time and resources, this method promises to revolutionise the process of sex identification in poultry birds.
Key elements of the method include DNA sample preparation, wherein feather samples are preserved in various preservatives for a duration of one month. Additionally, DNA template preparation involves a simple boiling process in PBS (phosphate-buffered saline), eliminating the need for specialised equipment.
The team behind this pioneering technology comprises esteemed researchers including Dr. Arun Kumar De, Dr. A Kundu, Dr. Jai Sunder, Dr. T. Sujatha, Dr. Perumal P, Dr. D. Bhattacharya, and Dr. S. K. Zamir Ahmed. Their collaborative efforts have culminated in the development of a method that not only enhances efficiency but also simplifies the sex determination process for non-ratite birds.
This patent represents a significant milestone for ICAR-CIARI and underscores the institute’s commitment to driving innovation in agricultural research. With this novel method now patented, the scientific community anticipates broader implications for avian studies, particularly in the realm of poultry farming and conservation efforts.
The granting of this patent reaffirms ICAR-CIARI’s position as a leading research institution dedicated to advancing agricultural science.