Article Abstract:
An embryonic lethal condition known as blastoderm degeneration is described in dwarf White Leghorn chickens. The affected embryos undergo a series of macroscopic changes beginning at 32 hours of incubation that end in the death of the embryo at 120 hours. Comparison of normal and affected embryos revealed reduced numbers of somite pairs, delayed brain differentiation, retarded closure of the anterior neuropore and retarded heart formation in the mutants. Breeding experiments indicate that the condition is heritable as an autosomal recessive trait, and the designator bld for the gene responsible is proposed.
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Article Abstract:
It has been possible to identify the molecular nature of the restriction length polymorphisms (RFLP) found at MspI sites in White Leghorn chickens. Southern blotting shows that the RFLP produce a single band shift from 4700 bp to 4100 bp. Direct sequencing of the PCR product obtained from the DNA of two individuals with different RFLP alleles made it possible to determine the identity of the base change. The mitochondrial genotype was linked with body weight and egg specific gravity.
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Article Abstract:
A new heritable mutation that inhibits the rate of feathering was found in turkey. It was observed to affect the number, size, and structure of feathers. The expression of the disorder varies as the birds grow, from almost complete absence of feathers to almost full feather covering. It was found that amino acid composition of feathers from the mutated birds was modified. Alanine, aspartate, glycine, isoleucine and tyrosine were significantly lower while leucine is higher.
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