A sex-linked recessive miniature phenotype in White Leghorn poultry

Abstract

The mode of inheritance of a miniature phenotype in a line of White Leghorn poultry is shown to be due to a sex-linked recessive gene. Females with the gene are 41 per cent and homoqgous recessive males 49 per cent lower in body weight at 25 weeks than normal birds. Curling of the middle toe is present in many miniature birds. Possible uses to which this mutant may be put are discussed.