Some of this discussion reminds me of the Clinton years.
\"What is meant by \'is\'? What is meant by \'the\'? Slate is comprised of a dark dermis, and an epidermis that is clear shading to dark depending on feather color and e locus. It is not spotted dark and light, but dark throughout, varying from light slate to black. There are a great plenty of varieties that could be developed (or improved) without running into shank color issues at all, so why not concentrate on them instead of beating our heads against a brick wall? With that said, it may very well be possible to break the genetic linkage with B that prevents a dark dermis, but it will take a tremendous concerted effort. For example, one person from South America believes that if Fm (fibromelanosis) is included (the primary gene that makes a Silkie\'s skin black) in a bird that is pure for Id (light dermis) you can produce a dark shanked bird with B (barring). Is it worth it to find out? Not to me it isn\'t, but each person can decide for themselves. More power to anyone who succeeds.