Genetics and Evolution of the Domestic Fowl

by Lewis Stevens

Overview

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 the domestic fowl (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. In the area of molecular genetics, where the most rapid developments have been made, more extensive background information is given and a glossary of terms is included. The impact of these exciting new developments on our understanding of gene structure and organization, 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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780521017572
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	07/21/2005
Edition description:	Revised ed.
Pages:	324
Product dimensions:	6.14(w) x 9.17(h) x 0.67(d)

Table of Contents

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.

Editorial Reviews

"...would serve as an excellent textbook for third or fourth year undergraduate students or for beginning graduate students in any of the animal or biological sciences lacking a background in genetics. It should serve well either as a textbook or as a valuable resource book...." Gerald B. Havenstein, Poultry Science

"...a splendid little book that is the first devoted to the domestic fowl for many years....I really enjoyed this book, and will refer to it frequently. My interest in birds has not extended to their immunology or oncogenetics, and it fills that gap to perfection. I will also use the chapter on quantitative genetics in my teaching, so it will not gather dust on the shelf as so many other books do." David T. Parkin, TIG

From the Publisher