Test for linkage between the Eumelanin dilution blue (B1), the extended black (E) allele at the e‐locus and the linked pea comb (p) and eumelanin extension (M1) genes in the domestic fowl

Abstract

1. A mating was made between a Blue Andalusian bantam male and a pea comb striped necked bantam female to produce a quadruple heterozygote of the linked pea comb (P) and eumelanin extension (Ml) genes and of the eumelanin dilution blue (Bl) gene and the extended black (E) allele at the E‐locus.

2. Two pea comb blue females so produced were mated to a single comb striped necked bantam male, thus providing a backcross to the quadruple recessive.

3. Bl segregated independently with each of the other three genes whilst 25 crossovers occurred amongst the 55 progeny assessed for linkage between P and Ml, confirming loose linkage between P and Ml which had previously been shown to be approximately 46 units. Linkage of 0.3% had been previously reported (Crawford, 1986) between P and a “melanotic” gene isolated from a segregating gene pool. Evidence is presented to demonstrate that two different “melanotic” genes were being considered, thus explaining the apparently contradictory reports. Charcoal (cha) is suggested for the recessive gene linked with P by 0.3%.

4. Thirty‐four crossovers occurred among the 97 progeny between P and E suggesting linkage of approximately 35 units. A further mating was made from among segregants in the backcross which confirmed P‐E linkage with 17 crossovers in 55 gametes. Combining the tests produced a linkage value of approximately 34 units.