1
Breeding / Re: Genetics of breeding dominant white
« on: Today at 12:54:11 PM »
Breeding chart will be added later.
News:
Welcome to the Ameraucana Breeders Club (ABC) Forum!
Join the ABC at AmeraucanaBreedersClub.org/membership.html
Please visit our website at AmeraucanaBreedersClub.org
You must be a club member to post & to view the Members Only section.
Show Posts
This section allows you to view all posts made by this member. Note that you can only see posts made in areas you currently have access to.
2
Breeding / Genetics of breeding dominant white
« on: Today at 12:53:52 PM »
The Dominant White gene (I) is an autosomal gene capable of inhibiting the development of black pigment in plumage. In the case of Dominant White, the genes necessary for black pigment are present but do not manifest themselves due to the inhibiting action of the Dominant White gene. Pigment is formed by melanocytes in feather germs, but there is a nontransfer of pigment by melanocytes to keratinoblasts.
Some Ameraucana enthusiasts are working with a project color that results from a single copy of the Dominant White gene on Extended Black. A few breeders have asked for a breeding chart to use while working with the project color. Here you go!
The Dominant White gene produces the following:
1. A white homozygote (I/I) which results in a white phenotype
2. A heterozygote (I/ I+) which results in a black-flecked phenotype
3. A homozygous recessive (I+/I+) which results in a black phenotype.
Modifying genes, which limit or expand the amount of black on a Dominant White heterozygote, affect the overall number of black feathers present on the plumage. The modifying genes also affect whether the black plumage feathers will be solid black and the white plumage feathers solid white.
Hopefully this breeding chart will be helpful to breeders working with the project color!
*Please note that all names that breeders presently identify the project color as have been listed merely as a means to appease all breeders.
Some Ameraucana enthusiasts are working with a project color that results from a single copy of the Dominant White gene on Extended Black. A few breeders have asked for a breeding chart to use while working with the project color. Here you go!
The Dominant White gene produces the following:
1. A white homozygote (I/I) which results in a white phenotype
2. A heterozygote (I/ I+) which results in a black-flecked phenotype
3. A homozygous recessive (I+/I+) which results in a black phenotype.
Modifying genes, which limit or expand the amount of black on a Dominant White heterozygote, affect the overall number of black feathers present on the plumage. The modifying genes also affect whether the black plumage feathers will be solid black and the white plumage feathers solid white.
Hopefully this breeding chart will be helpful to breeders working with the project color!
*Please note that all names that breeders presently identify the project color as have been listed merely as a means to appease all breeders.
3
Breeding / Factors that affect eggshell color in an Ameraucana flock
« on: Today at 12:52:11 PM »
What affects egg color in your Ameraucana flock?
There are several factors that can affect egg color in your Ameraucana flock!
Biliverdin is the pigment responsible for creating blue eggshells in Ameraucana.
Biliverdin is created within the shell gland and is then deposited on the eggshell roughly 3-4 hours before ovi-position (Wang, et al., 2009). The SLCO1B3 gene is the key gene that regulates blue eggshell color. The SLCO1B3 gene is a part of the organic anion transporting polypeptide (OATP) family. The OATPs function as membrane transporters and transport bile products such as Biliverdin.
One study of blue eggshell layers found that the expression level of the SLCO1B3 gene was significantly higher at 25 and 30 weeks during the laying period, and that the overall methylation rate of the SLCO1B3 gene increased gradually with increasing weeks of egg production. As the level of methylation increased, methylation of the CpG5 and CpG8 sites hindered the binding of transcription factors to the promoter, reducing the expression of SLCO1B3 during the late period which resulted in a lighter blue eggshell color. A study in 2011 also found that there was a decline in blue eggshell color with laying order, indicating pigment limitation for females. These two studies reflect that eggshell color becomes lighter with each additional week in the laying cycle.
In one study blue eggshell color was studied on over 400 eggs at the moment of oviposition, at the onset of incubation, and at the end of incubation using a spectrophotometer. Results showed that egg color faded significantly during the study period. This means that time-related (temporal) changes in egg color occur.
One study found that females who experience a decline in antioxidant capacity due to food limitation experience a reduction in blue eggshell color. Another study found that eggshell color is positively related to the concentration and amount of carotenoids and vitamin E in the yolk. (Hargitai et al., 2013). A study in 2017 found that females who experience a decline in antioxidant capacity due to food limitation experience a reduction in blue‐green eggshell color. These studies reflect that a hen’s diet and access to nutrients affect eggshell color.
A study in 2012 identified that the blue color of eggshells can reflect a female’s physiological condition, with only high‐quality females having adequate antioxidant capacity to pigment their eggs with large amounts of biliverdin. This eludes to the impact of a hen’s health on eggshell color.
A study in 2014 showed that eggshell pigmentation is not only affected by female body condition but is also shaped by the female’s early life experience including exposure to stress. In this study eggshell color was influenced by breeding conditions which stresses the relationship between eggshell pigment concentrations and environmental conditions.
Several studies have shown that in hens who lay eggs that have an olive green or khaki spectrum, a coating of the pigment protoporphyrin-IX has been added to the egg during the final hours of the egg being inside the uterus. The higher the concentration of biliverdin within the uterus of a hen, the bluer the egg will be. The higher the concentration of protoporphyrin-IX within the uterus of a hen, the more olive or brown an egg will be (Wang et al., 2009). This eludes to the impact of protoporphyrin-IX on eggshell color.
In closing, the following factors can affect eggshell color in your Ameraucana flock:
✔️Biliverdin
✔️Laying Cycle
✔️Time-Related (Temporal) Changes
✔️Diet and Access to Nutrients
✔️Health
✔️Environmental Conditions
✔️Protoporphyrin-IX
Dearborn, D. Daniel Hanley, Katherine Ballantine, John Cullum, DeeAnn M. Reeder. Eggshell color is more strongly affected by maternal identity than by dietary antioxidants in a captive poultry system. Functional Ecology Volume 26, Issue 4 p. 912-920 Animal physiological ecology. First published: 18 May 2012 https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2435.2012.02001.x
Hargitai, R., Boross, N., Nyiri, Z. et al. Biliverdin- and protoporphyrin-based eggshell pigmentation in relation to antioxidant supplementation, female characteristics and egg traits in the canary (Serinus canaria). Behav Ecol Sociobiol 70, 2093–2110 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00265-016-2214-z
Hargitai, R. Gergely Nagy, Márton Herényi, János Török. Effects of experimental calcium availability, egg parameters and laying order on Great Tit Parus major eggshell pigmentation patterns Ibis Volume 155, Issue 3 p. 561-570. First published: 18 June 2013 https://doi.org/10.1111/ibi.12054
Hargitai, R. Nóra Boross, Zoltán Nyiri, Zsuzsanna Eke. Effects of food limitation on the intensity of blue-green and brown eggshell coloration: an experimental study with the canary. Journal of Avian Biology Volume 49, Issue 1 jav-01486 First published: 15 September 2017 https://doi.org/10.1111/jav.01486
Li Z, Ren T, Li W, Zhou Y, Han R, Li H, Jiang R, Yan F, Sun G, Liu X, Tian Y and Kang X (2019) Association Between the Methylation Statuses at CpG Sites in the Promoter Region of the SLCO1B3, RNA Expression and Color Change in Blue Eggshells in Lushi Chickens. Front. Genet. 10:161. doi: 10.3389/fgene.2019.00161
Morales, J., Velando, A. & Torres, R. Biliverdin-based egg coloration is enhanced by carotenoid supplementation. Behav Ecol Sociobiol 65, 197–203 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00265-010-1025-x
Moreno, J. Elisa Lobato, Judith Morales. Eggshell blue-green coloration fades immediately after oviposition: a cautionary note about measuring natural egg colors. Ornis Fennica 88 (1), 51, 2011.
Navarro, C. Tomás Pérez-Contreras, Jesús M. Avilés, Kevin J. McGraw, Juan J. Soler. Journal of Avian BiologyVolume 42, Issue 6 p. 538-543. Blue-green eggshell coloration reflects yolk antioxidant content in spotless starlings Sturnus unicolor. First published: 30 November 2011 https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-048X.2011.05293.x
Wang, X.T., Deng, C.-J. Zhao, J.-Y. Li, G.-Y. Xu, L.-S. Lian, C.-X. Wu, Study of the Deposition Process of Eggshell Pigments Using an Improved Dissolution Method, Poultry Science, Volume 86, Issue 10, October 2007, Pages 2236–2238, https://doi.org/10.1093/ps/86.10.2236
Wang, X.T., C. J. Zhao, J. Y. Li, G. Y. Xu, L. S. Lian, C. X. Wu, X. M. Deng, Comparison of the total amount of eggshell pigments in Dongxiang brown-shelled eggs and Dongxiang blue-shelled eggs, Poultry Science, Volume 88, Issue 8, August 2009, Pages 1735–1739,https://doi.org/10.3382/ps.2008-00434
There are several factors that can affect egg color in your Ameraucana flock!
Biliverdin is the pigment responsible for creating blue eggshells in Ameraucana.
Biliverdin is created within the shell gland and is then deposited on the eggshell roughly 3-4 hours before ovi-position (Wang, et al., 2009). The SLCO1B3 gene is the key gene that regulates blue eggshell color. The SLCO1B3 gene is a part of the organic anion transporting polypeptide (OATP) family. The OATPs function as membrane transporters and transport bile products such as Biliverdin.
One study of blue eggshell layers found that the expression level of the SLCO1B3 gene was significantly higher at 25 and 30 weeks during the laying period, and that the overall methylation rate of the SLCO1B3 gene increased gradually with increasing weeks of egg production. As the level of methylation increased, methylation of the CpG5 and CpG8 sites hindered the binding of transcription factors to the promoter, reducing the expression of SLCO1B3 during the late period which resulted in a lighter blue eggshell color. A study in 2011 also found that there was a decline in blue eggshell color with laying order, indicating pigment limitation for females. These two studies reflect that eggshell color becomes lighter with each additional week in the laying cycle.
In one study blue eggshell color was studied on over 400 eggs at the moment of oviposition, at the onset of incubation, and at the end of incubation using a spectrophotometer. Results showed that egg color faded significantly during the study period. This means that time-related (temporal) changes in egg color occur.
One study found that females who experience a decline in antioxidant capacity due to food limitation experience a reduction in blue eggshell color. Another study found that eggshell color is positively related to the concentration and amount of carotenoids and vitamin E in the yolk. (Hargitai et al., 2013). A study in 2017 found that females who experience a decline in antioxidant capacity due to food limitation experience a reduction in blue‐green eggshell color. These studies reflect that a hen’s diet and access to nutrients affect eggshell color.
A study in 2012 identified that the blue color of eggshells can reflect a female’s physiological condition, with only high‐quality females having adequate antioxidant capacity to pigment their eggs with large amounts of biliverdin. This eludes to the impact of a hen’s health on eggshell color.
A study in 2014 showed that eggshell pigmentation is not only affected by female body condition but is also shaped by the female’s early life experience including exposure to stress. In this study eggshell color was influenced by breeding conditions which stresses the relationship between eggshell pigment concentrations and environmental conditions.
Several studies have shown that in hens who lay eggs that have an olive green or khaki spectrum, a coating of the pigment protoporphyrin-IX has been added to the egg during the final hours of the egg being inside the uterus. The higher the concentration of biliverdin within the uterus of a hen, the bluer the egg will be. The higher the concentration of protoporphyrin-IX within the uterus of a hen, the more olive or brown an egg will be (Wang et al., 2009). This eludes to the impact of protoporphyrin-IX on eggshell color.
In closing, the following factors can affect eggshell color in your Ameraucana flock:
✔️Biliverdin
✔️Laying Cycle
✔️Time-Related (Temporal) Changes
✔️Diet and Access to Nutrients
✔️Health
✔️Environmental Conditions
✔️Protoporphyrin-IX
Dearborn, D. Daniel Hanley, Katherine Ballantine, John Cullum, DeeAnn M. Reeder. Eggshell color is more strongly affected by maternal identity than by dietary antioxidants in a captive poultry system. Functional Ecology Volume 26, Issue 4 p. 912-920 Animal physiological ecology. First published: 18 May 2012 https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2435.2012.02001.x
Hargitai, R., Boross, N., Nyiri, Z. et al. Biliverdin- and protoporphyrin-based eggshell pigmentation in relation to antioxidant supplementation, female characteristics and egg traits in the canary (Serinus canaria). Behav Ecol Sociobiol 70, 2093–2110 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00265-016-2214-z
Hargitai, R. Gergely Nagy, Márton Herényi, János Török. Effects of experimental calcium availability, egg parameters and laying order on Great Tit Parus major eggshell pigmentation patterns Ibis Volume 155, Issue 3 p. 561-570. First published: 18 June 2013 https://doi.org/10.1111/ibi.12054
Hargitai, R. Nóra Boross, Zoltán Nyiri, Zsuzsanna Eke. Effects of food limitation on the intensity of blue-green and brown eggshell coloration: an experimental study with the canary. Journal of Avian Biology Volume 49, Issue 1 jav-01486 First published: 15 September 2017 https://doi.org/10.1111/jav.01486
Li Z, Ren T, Li W, Zhou Y, Han R, Li H, Jiang R, Yan F, Sun G, Liu X, Tian Y and Kang X (2019) Association Between the Methylation Statuses at CpG Sites in the Promoter Region of the SLCO1B3, RNA Expression and Color Change in Blue Eggshells in Lushi Chickens. Front. Genet. 10:161. doi: 10.3389/fgene.2019.00161
Morales, J., Velando, A. & Torres, R. Biliverdin-based egg coloration is enhanced by carotenoid supplementation. Behav Ecol Sociobiol 65, 197–203 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00265-010-1025-x
Moreno, J. Elisa Lobato, Judith Morales. Eggshell blue-green coloration fades immediately after oviposition: a cautionary note about measuring natural egg colors. Ornis Fennica 88 (1), 51, 2011.
Navarro, C. Tomás Pérez-Contreras, Jesús M. Avilés, Kevin J. McGraw, Juan J. Soler. Journal of Avian BiologyVolume 42, Issue 6 p. 538-543. Blue-green eggshell coloration reflects yolk antioxidant content in spotless starlings Sturnus unicolor. First published: 30 November 2011 https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-048X.2011.05293.x
Wang, X.T., Deng, C.-J. Zhao, J.-Y. Li, G.-Y. Xu, L.-S. Lian, C.-X. Wu, Study of the Deposition Process of Eggshell Pigments Using an Improved Dissolution Method, Poultry Science, Volume 86, Issue 10, October 2007, Pages 2236–2238, https://doi.org/10.1093/ps/86.10.2236
Wang, X.T., C. J. Zhao, J. Y. Li, G. Y. Xu, L. S. Lian, C. X. Wu, X. M. Deng, Comparison of the total amount of eggshell pigments in Dongxiang brown-shelled eggs and Dongxiang blue-shelled eggs, Poultry Science, Volume 88, Issue 8, August 2009, Pages 1735–1739,https://doi.org/10.3382/ps.2008-00434
4
Upcoming Meets / Re: 12/14/2024 Oklahoma State Poultry Federation Show Shawnee, OK
« on: April 24, 2024, 09:00:28 PM »
The show hall will be open Friday at 9:00 a.m. to receive entries. Complete catalog and entry forms should be available early September and will be posted on their website www.ospfshows.com.
5
Upcoming Meets / 12/14/2024 Oklahoma State Poultry Federation Show Shawnee, OK
« on: April 24, 2024, 12:06:13 PM »
Show Name: Oklahoma State Poultry Federation Show
Meet Type: District
Show Start - End Dates: 12/14/2024 - 12/15/2024
Show Facility: Heart of Oklahoma Exposition Center
Show Address: 1700 W Independence Ave
Show City, St, Zip: Shawnee, OK 74804
Show Secretary: Wade Walker
Show Secretary's Email: oklahomastatepoultryfederation@gmail.com
Meet Type: District
Show Start - End Dates: 12/14/2024 - 12/15/2024
Show Facility: Heart of Oklahoma Exposition Center
Show Address: 1700 W Independence Ave
Show City, St, Zip: Shawnee, OK 74804
Show Secretary: Wade Walker
Show Secretary's Email: oklahomastatepoultryfederation@gmail.com
6
Upcoming Meets / Re: Northwoods Poultry Fanciers Club Show Athens, WI Date TBD
« on: April 24, 2024, 12:01:55 PM »
Updated to reflect a date of 9/14/2024.
7
News and Information / APA and ABA ads
« on: March 18, 2024, 07:46:16 PM »
Every year, the ABC advertises in the APA and ABA yearbooks, and we offer a discount on advertising via our club pages to our members. Advertising in the ABA and APA yearbooks is a great way to promote your farm and the Ameraucana breed! The rates to advertise with the ABC in the APA and ABA yearbooks for 2023 are listed below.
American Bantam Association:
Full page (below the header), black & white - 4.375" x 5.7" - $95
Half page, black & white - 4.375" x 2.85" - $47.50
Quarter page, black & white - 2.188" x 2.85" - $23.75
Eighth page, black & white - 2.188" x 1.425" - $12
Full page (below the header), color - 4.375" x 5.7" - $195
Half page, color - 4.375" x 2.85" - $97.50
Quarter page, color - 2.188" x 2.85" - $48.75
Eighth page, color - 2.188" x 1.425" - $24.50
American Poultry Association:
Full:
(9 x 2.8125)
B&W: $90
Color: $195
Half:
(4.5 x 2.8125)
B&W: $45
Color: $97.50
Quarter:
(2.25 x 2.8125)
B&W: $22.50
Color: $48.75
Sixth:
(2.25 x 1.875)
B&W: $11.25
Color: $32.50
Please send me an email at abcsecretaryhelton@gmail.com if you would like to be featured on one of our club pages this year. Please include what size advertisement you would like to have and whether you would like the advertisement to be in black & white or in color. We will be happy to design an ad for you from scratch if needed!
Please respond by Friday, April 13th to be included on our club pages!
American Bantam Association:
Full page (below the header), black & white - 4.375" x 5.7" - $95
Half page, black & white - 4.375" x 2.85" - $47.50
Quarter page, black & white - 2.188" x 2.85" - $23.75
Eighth page, black & white - 2.188" x 1.425" - $12
Full page (below the header), color - 4.375" x 5.7" - $195
Half page, color - 4.375" x 2.85" - $97.50
Quarter page, color - 2.188" x 2.85" - $48.75
Eighth page, color - 2.188" x 1.425" - $24.50
American Poultry Association:
Full:
(9 x 2.8125)
B&W: $90
Color: $195
Half:
(4.5 x 2.8125)
B&W: $45
Color: $97.50
Quarter:
(2.25 x 2.8125)
B&W: $22.50
Color: $48.75
Sixth:
(2.25 x 1.875)
B&W: $11.25
Color: $32.50
Please send me an email at abcsecretaryhelton@gmail.com if you would like to be featured on one of our club pages this year. Please include what size advertisement you would like to have and whether you would like the advertisement to be in black & white or in color. We will be happy to design an ad for you from scratch if needed!
Please respond by Friday, April 13th to be included on our club pages!
8
News and Information / Re: Processing of marketplace shipments
« on: March 13, 2024, 02:13:34 PM »
Marketplace shipments are current again. Cheers.
9
News and Information / Rosettes for qualifying wins
« on: March 13, 2024, 12:58:15 PM »
Several rosettes are going out in the mail today for qualifying wins! Rosettes awarded to club members for qualifying wins are current at this time.
10
Past Meets / 2-10-2024 Fancy Feathers Poultry and Rabbit show Dripping Springs, TX
« on: March 12, 2024, 11:34:47 PM »
This meet report has been entered and uploaded to the website:
http://ameraucanabreedersclub.org/meet_reports/2-10-2024%20Fancy%20Feathers%20Poultry%20and%20Rabbit%20Show%20Dripping%20Springs,%20TX.pdf
http://ameraucanabreedersclub.org/meet_reports/2-10-2024%20Fancy%20Feathers%20Poultry%20and%20Rabbit%20Show%20Dripping%20Springs,%20TX.pdf
11
News and Information / Re: Processing of marketplace shipments
« on: March 12, 2024, 12:40:31 AM »
Thanks for everyone’s patience on these shipments. A few have been delayed by the P0 and have arrived later than their estimated arrival dates. For instance, we had one that was postmarked on 2/23 with an estimated delivery of 2/27 and it didn’t arrive until today, 3/11. The customer contacted me laughing about it. I hope this is not a sign of things to come with chick shipments this season.
12
News and Information / Farm ads for the bulletin
« on: March 06, 2024, 01:00:56 PM »
I am currently piecing together our Spring bulletin. If members would like to include a farm ad in it please reach out via email to abcsecretaryhelton@gmail.com.
$4 per bulletin
$12 for a set of four bulletins
$5 if they need me to create the advertisement for them
$4 per bulletin
$12 for a set of four bulletins
$5 if they need me to create the advertisement for them
13
News and Information / Re: Processing of marketplace shipments
« on: March 06, 2024, 12:20:13 PM »
Just reviewed all of our marketplace shipments for this year thus far and we are current. Cheers.
14
News and Information / Re: Processing of marketplace shipments
« on: March 04, 2024, 03:36:25 PM »
Happy to help.
15
News and Information / Processing of marketplace shipments
« on: March 01, 2024, 10:30:53 PM »
General reminder that our marketplace states to allow up to two weeks for processing of orders. I am trying to make it to the PO weekly or biweekly if I am in town and my schedule permits it. This is our peak shipping time as folks prepare for the Spring and it is easiest to mail orders out in batches. I have mailed out over 100 shipments just since Feb 12th. Many thanks for your patience as we get your orders out to you!