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"Trembler"--a nervous disorder in chickens
V Siripholvat1, T Watanabe, T Tomita
1Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Faculty of Agriculture, Nagoya University, Japan.
Jikken Dobutsu. Experimental Animals
|January 1, 1988
Summary
Trembler chickens exhibit progressive tremors, impacting mobility and leading to mortality. Genetic analysis identified an autosomal recessive gene responsible for this neurological disorder in chickens.
Area of Science:
- Animal Genetics
- Avian Biology
- Neurogenetics
Background:
- A spontaneous mutation in Nagoya University's Poultry farm resulted in 'trembler' chickens.
- Affected chickens display progressive tremors of the head, neck, and body, worsening with age.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the phenotypic progression of trembler chickens.
- To determine the genetic basis of the trembler mutation.
Main Methods:
- Phenotypic observation of trembler chickens from day-old to terminal stages.
- Mating experiments including half-sib and sire-daughter crosses.
Main Results:
- Trembling symptoms initially mild, becoming severe and progressive with age.
- Affected chickens developed a stumbling gait and difficulty standing.
- Mating experiments indicated the causative gene is autosomal recessive.
Conclusions:
- The trembler phenotype is caused by a single autosomal recessive gene, designated 'tr'.
- This genetic mutation leads to a severe, progressive neurological disorder in chickens.