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Celadon: an eggshell color mutation in Japanese quail
1Department of Animal Science and Technology, Faculty of Agriculture, Gifu University, Japan.
The Journal of Heredity
|March 1, 1993
Summary
A new Japanese quail eggshell color mutant, "celadon," is controlled by a recessive gene (ce). This gene is nonallelic to the white eggshell gene (we) and affects pigment levels, resulting in a unique coloration.
Area of Science:
- Animal Genetics
- Avian Biology
- Poultry Science
Background:
- Eggshell color is a significant trait in poultry, influenced by genetic and biochemical factors.
- Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) are a valuable model organism for genetic studies due to their rapid generation time.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize a newly discovered eggshell color mutation in Japanese quail.
- To determine the genetic basis and inheritance pattern of the 'celadon' eggshell trait.
- To analyze the pigment composition of the mutant eggshells.
Main Methods:
- Phenotypic observation and genetic crosses to determine inheritance patterns.
- Gene mapping to confirm autosomal recessive inheritance and allelism.
- Spectrophotometric analysis of eggshell pigments.
Main Results:
- A novel autosomal recessive mutation, designated 'celadon' (ce), was identified in Japanese quail.
- The 'celadon' gene (ce) was found to be nonallelic to the white eggshell gene (we).
- Spectrophotometry revealed reduced protoporphyrin and biliverdin content in celadon eggshells compared to wild-type.
Conclusions:
- The 'celadon' mutation represents a new locus affecting eggshell coloration in Japanese quail.
- The 'celadon' gene (ce) exhibits hypostatic interaction with the white eggshell gene (we).
- Altered pigment levels, specifically lower protoporphyrin and biliverdin, underlie the celadon eggshell phenotype.