Ostrich (Struthio camelus) breeds have been gaining increasing significance around the world. The large-scale sex determination of chicks is an important task in the development of these breeds. In this study fifteen baby ostrich were examined for sex determination by a polymerase chain reaction. Two feather bulbs were collected and the DNA was extracted by alkaline method. DNA extracted were subjected to a PCR assay using two set of primers for sex determination and confirming the kinetic of PCR reactions. The gender of ostriches was determined correctly. According to the sequence analysis of PCR products and phenotypic changes during maturity the accuracy of PCR assay was confirmed. The assay is recommended as a fast, safe, accurate and inexpensive procedure for large-scale sex typing of ostriches using DNA extracted from feathers. This procedure is useful for the gender identification of chicks in the first days of nestling life.

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