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Journal of Veterinary Research.
OJVRTM
Online Journal of Veterinary Research
Volume 5
: 217-230, 2001.
Sexing parrots (P. senegalus)
by discriminant analysis
Zeffer A
ABSTRACT
Zeffer A Sexing parrots (P.
senegalus) by discriminant
analysis Online J Vet Res 5:212-220, 2001. In many bird species, there is no obvious
difference in the external features of the sexes. This study investigates the
problem of sex determination in the Senegal Parrot (Poicephalus senegalus senegalus).
The work was conducted on 27 captive individuals, 13 females and 14 males. 32
morphological characters were measured, and 20 showed significant differences
between the sexes. The data were analysed with discriminant analysis, a method that separates groups of
individuals by equations based on measured variables. A specialised
case of discriminant analysis was also used (jack
knifing). The result shows that in significantly separating characters, males
are larger than females. This size difference is especially visible in facial
characters. The discriminant analysis managed to
separate 100 % of the individuals into the correct groups using only two
characters: bill height and distance between the inner canthus.
When using the jack-knifing method, 94,7 % of the
individuals were correctly classified. This high percentage indicates that the
equation is a useable tool for quick determination of the sex in Senegal
Parrots.
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