Glossary
Genes occur in pairs at each site or (locus).
Each bird receives one gene from its sire and one gene from its dam.
At each site (locus) there can be a switch with one, two or occasionally three options or "alleles". The final color or Phenotype of the bird will depend on the sum of the alleles at each of the sites or Locus combined.
Autosomal - Autosomal genes are independent of sex; the affects the these gene(s) affect both sexes equally.
Sex linked - Sex Linked genes have a different effect on different sexes. These genes are what are involved in producing both “AutoSex” and “Sex Link Chick”
Autosex – Autosex is when pure bred day old chicks can be sexed by their different appearances when they have hatched. There are a number of birds (note: that are pure bred birds) that will Autosex, the Barred Rock, and Cream Legbar being examples. The offspring will breed true and remain Autosexing.
Sex linkage – Usually referred to as “Sex Links” is when two different breeds of (pure bred) birds are crossed. For example, Black Rock or Black Star is a sex linked cross of the Rhode Island Red X Barred Plymouth Rock. The offspring will not breed true from these crosses. There are a number of combinations that can be used in breeding Sex Links. Because they can be sexed as day old chicks by their different appearances this is what is used extensively in commercial egg farms. “The offspring will not breed true from these crosses to produce more Sex Links”.
Dominant Gene - Only a single copy of the gene is required to show the effects of the gene Male and/or Female.
Recessive Gene - Two copies of the gene are required to show the effects of the gene.
Homozygous – Carries both (2) copies of the gene.
Heterozygous – Carries a single (1) copy of a Recessive or Dominant gene on that chromosome.
Phenotypic - The gene produces a visible or otherwise identifiable effect.
Recessive - A Recessive gene does not show evident unless both copies of the gene are present.
Sport - The Phenotype of the bird exhibits traits not associated with recombination of its parents' genes. It has a phenotype produced by a mutation or other genetic variation (cross over for example).
Each bird receives one gene from its sire and one gene from its dam.
At each site (locus) there can be a switch with one, two or occasionally three options or "alleles". The final color or Phenotype of the bird will depend on the sum of the alleles at each of the sites or Locus combined.
Autosomal - Autosomal genes are independent of sex; the affects the these gene(s) affect both sexes equally.
Sex linked - Sex Linked genes have a different effect on different sexes. These genes are what are involved in producing both “AutoSex” and “Sex Link Chick”
Autosex – Autosex is when pure bred day old chicks can be sexed by their different appearances when they have hatched. There are a number of birds (note: that are pure bred birds) that will Autosex, the Barred Rock, and Cream Legbar being examples. The offspring will breed true and remain Autosexing.
Sex linkage – Usually referred to as “Sex Links” is when two different breeds of (pure bred) birds are crossed. For example, Black Rock or Black Star is a sex linked cross of the Rhode Island Red X Barred Plymouth Rock. The offspring will not breed true from these crosses. There are a number of combinations that can be used in breeding Sex Links. Because they can be sexed as day old chicks by their different appearances this is what is used extensively in commercial egg farms. “The offspring will not breed true from these crosses to produce more Sex Links”.
Dominant Gene - Only a single copy of the gene is required to show the effects of the gene Male and/or Female.
Recessive Gene - Two copies of the gene are required to show the effects of the gene.
Homozygous – Carries both (2) copies of the gene.
Heterozygous – Carries a single (1) copy of a Recessive or Dominant gene on that chromosome.
Phenotypic - The gene produces a visible or otherwise identifiable effect.
Recessive - A Recessive gene does not show evident unless both copies of the gene are present.
Sport - The Phenotype of the bird exhibits traits not associated with recombination of its parents' genes. It has a phenotype produced by a mutation or other genetic variation (cross over for example).