Genetics and Evolution of the Domestic Fowl

A concise and up-to-date account of all major areas of poultry genetics from Mendelian to the molecular level.

Lewis Stevens (Author)

9780521403177, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 21 November 1991

324 pages, 87 b/w illus. 23 tables
23.7 x 15.8 x 2.3 cm, 0.578 kg

' … an extraordinary wealth of information.' Hans Abplanalp, Theoretical and Applied Genetics

The science of genetics has undergone a period of very rapid and significant development in recent years, and the area of poultry genetics has been no exception. This book provides a balanced and up-to-date account of all the major areas of this subject from Mendelian to modern molecular genetics. The book begins by tracing the evolution of Gallus domesticus from its avian ancestors. Subsequent chapters cover important aspects of poultry genetics, including cytogenetics, transmission genetics, gene mapping, sex linkage, lethal genes, genetics of feathering and plumage, and quantitative genetics. In each chapter, a concise explanation of the genetic principles is followed by a full discussion illustrated by key examples. In the latter part of the book, recent advances in gene cloning and sequencing are examined. The impact of these exciting new developments on our understanding of gene structure and organisation, immunogenetics and the evolution of proteins is assessed. Finally, the uses of transgenic techniques and their implications are discussed. This book provides a clear and useful survey of the genetics and evolution of the domestic fowl, which will be of interest to postgraduate students and researchers in the fields of genetics, agriculture and veterinary medicine, as well as to poultry breeders (both commercial and non-commercial).

1. The history and evolution of the domestic fowl
2. The cellular organisation of genetic material
3. The transmission of inherited characters
4. Sex determination and sex-linked inheritance in the domestic fowl
5. Linkage and chromosome mapping
6. Genes controlling feathering and plumage colour
7. Muscle, nerve and skeleton
8. Lethal genes in the domestic fowl
9. Quantitative genetics
10. Protein evolution and polymorphism
11. Immunogenetics of the domestic fowl
12. Gene cloning, sequencing and transfer
Appendices
Glossary
Index.

Subject Areas: Birds [ornithology PSVW6], Genetics [non-medical PSAK]