An Introduction to Form and Feathering of the Domestic Fowl

Book excerpt: In this introduction to the genetics of form and feathering of the domestic fowl you will fi nd a straightforward method that allows anyone, beginner or advanced hobbyist, to understand how the major genes of form and feathering come together to create the silhouette that is the hallmark of each breed. Beginning with a discussion of the skeleton genes, then moving to muscling genes, feathering genes and fi nally to comb genes, an understanding of the layers that make the silhouette is revealed. From this system of understanding how the silhouette is formed, one can then understand what really makes one breed unique from another. All of the genes presented herein are found in the commonly seen exhibition breeds and many hobbyists will be familiar with these breeds, but may be less familiar with the genetic factors involved. This volume is a wonderful tool for learning the basis of how the breeds are made, how their respective forms are derived from separate genes of form and feathering, and how those genes all come together to make the one visual impression that we consider a breed. There is in fact no one single gene which makes the form of any given breed. Many genes are required to derive each type and the combination of those many genes creates the silhouette. As you will see from the many silhouette illustrations in this book, once you know a breed, it is instantly recognizable from its silhouette alone. In addition to the discussion of the genes, there is a discussion of basic genetic concepts and of the complex and often confusing method of quantitative selection that is very applicable to many of the genes described herein. This book presents a very clear system for learning about the genetics of form and feathering in the domestic fowl and is written to be understood by the young and beginners alike.