DNA isolation from Avian tissue - need suggestions on protocols (Feb/28/2002 )

I am working with birds of prey....i am looking for a simple method for isolating genomic DNA from avian breast muscle....I have found protocols for mammalian tissue...will these work fine? also i have to use a mortar and pestle...what would be the best way to sterilize and clean them to make certain of no cross contamination...any help or suggestions would be very appreciated

I would try putting the tissue samples in foil envelopes, freezing in liquid nitrogen and smashing them with a hammer.  You avoid cross contamination this way (and it's kind of fun too).

good idea...will the foil break up in to little pieces as well? would that be a problem? otherwise that should work fine...have u used this technique before...thanks for ur help

The foil should stay in tact as long as you use heavy duty stuff.  I have done this on nevous tissue, muscle tissue and someone in our lab also did this with bone tissue.  Works pretty well.  You may loose a little tissue that sticks to the foil but probably no more than you would in a mortar and pestle.