The science of genetics has undergone a period of very rapid and significant development in recent years, and the area of poultry genetics has been no exception. This book provides a balanced and up-to-date account of all the major areas of this subject from Mendelian to modern molecular genetics. The book begins by tracing the evolution of Gallus domesticus from its avian ancestors. Subsequent chapters cover important aspects of poultry genetics, including cytogenetics, transmission genetics, gene mapping, sex linkage, lethal genes, genetics of feathering and plumage, and quantitative genetics. In each chapter, a concise explanation of the genetic principles is followed by a full discussion illustrated by key examples. In the latter part of the book, recent advances in gene cloning and sequencing are examined. The impact of these exciting new developments on our understanding of gene structure and organisation, immunogenetics and the evolution of proteins is assessed. Finally, the uses of transgenic techniques and their implications are discussed. This book provides a clear and useful survey of the genetics and evolution of the domestic fowl, which will be of interest to postgraduate students and researchers in the fields of genetics, agriculture and veterinary medicine, as well as to poultry breeders (both commercial and non-commercial).

Charles Benedict Davenport, America's most prominent eugenicists and biologists in this book discussed some of the results of his scientific study on domestic fowls. It describes the distribution of characteristics across a breeding generation of fowls. It is one of the earliest research that reveals the existence of dominance of specific characteristics in the filial generation (F1 and F2).

In this introduction to the genetics of form and feathering of the domestic fowl you will fi nd a straightforward method that allows anyone, beginner or advanced hobbyist, to understand how the major genes of form and feathering come together to create the silhouette that is the hallmark of each breed. Beginning with a discussion of the skeleton genes, then moving to muscling genes, feathering genes and fi nally to comb genes, an understanding of the layers that make the silhouette is revealed. From this system of understanding how the silhouette is formed, one can then understand what really makes one breed unique from another. All of the genes presented herein are found in the commonly seen exhibition breeds and many hobbyists will be familiar with these breeds, but may be less familiar with the genetic factors involved. This volume is a wonderful tool for learning the basis of how the breeds are made, how their respective forms are derived from separate genes of form and feathering, and how those genes all come together to make the one visual impression that we consider a breed. There is in fact no one single gene which makes the form of any given breed. Many genes are required to derive each type and the combination of those many genes creates the silhouette. As you will see from the many silhouette illustrations in this book, once you know a breed, it is instantly recognizable from its silhouette alone. In addition to the discussion of the genes, there is a discussion of basic genetic concepts and of the complex and often confusing method of quantitative selection that is very applicable to many of the genes described herein. This book presents a very clear system for learning about the genetics of form and feathering in the domestic fowl and is written to be understood by the young and beginners alike.