Melanism in guinea fowl (Numida meleagris) is associated with a deletion of Phenylalanine‐256 in the MC1R gene |
| |
| Authors: | O Vidal R M Araguas R Fernández S Heras N Sanz C Pla |
| |
| Institution: | Departament de Biologia, Universitat de Girona, E‐17071 Girona, Catalonia, Spain |
| |
| Abstract: | We have characterized a deletion in the MC1R gene causing the loss of one amino acid (p.Phe256del), which is perfectly associated with melanism in guinea fowl (Numida meleagris). Co‐segregation of the p.Phe256del with melanism was confirmed in 25 offspring born from a cross of two heterozygote birds; therefore we suggest that this mutation is responsible for the black phenotype. Interestingly, this is the first case of recessive melanism linked to MC1R. |
| |
| Keywords: | guinea fowl MC1R melanism |
|
|
