Clench: a new autosomal recessive mutation in Japanese quail

The clench (CL) is a new morphological mutation in Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica). The CL mutants rigidly clench their toes in both legs, which gives rise to a human fistlike appearance in the distal ends of the legs. Other parts of the CL body are quite normal. In spite of the severe toe abnormality, the CL mutants are normal in fertility, hatchability, and postnatal viability. Genetic analysis revealed that the CL mutation is an autosomal recessive with 100% penetrance. The proposed gene symbol is cl.