Question:
I am working with the erm project color which has one copy of the dominant white gene. What is the best way to create a solid white phenotype on birds with two copies of the dominant white gene? Can those birds be entered at poultry shows?
Answer:
Plumage color descriptions in the APA and ABA standards are based on phenotype, not genotype.
This means whites created from working with the erm project can be entered as white Ameraucana at poultry shows. You may find that the type, plumage color, and shank color is better on white Ameraucana entered that are derived from the recessive white gene.
Homozygousity for dominant white increases the chance of a solid white phenotype. Do you want to improve it further? Homozygosity for the Extended black allele is also helpful. Extended black allele shifts melanin production toward eumelanogenesis, which in turn is severely inhibited by the effect of Dominant white. The Dominant white gene can remove epidermal shank pigment and dilute dermal pigment. A scientific study found that slate shanks can be achieved on dominant white birds that are homozygous for the Extended black allele and id+.
The sex-linked Silver locus is also helpful in creating a solid white phenotype in dominant white birds. It inhibits the expression of red pheomelanin.
