Inheritance of wing feather development rate in guinea fowl (Numida meleagris)

Br Poult Sci. 1997 Jul;38(3):245-8. doi: 10.1080/00071669708417980.

Abstract

1. A study of primary wing feather development rate in guinea fowl revealed genetic control through a single pair of sex-linked alleles. The allele for slow feathering (K) was dominant over that for rapid feathering (k+). 2. Wing feather sexing showed 94% accuracy in 10-d-old keets. 3. Incidence of rapid feathering allele (k+) was higher in the population selected for high body weight compared to the unselected population.

MeSH terms

  • Alleles
  • Animals
  • Body Weight
  • Feathers / growth & development*
  • Female
  • Genetic Linkage
  • Male
  • Poultry / genetics*
  • Sex Characteristics
  • Wings, Animal / growth & development*