Duck Colour Genetics
An introduction to duck colour genetics was published in 'The
Domestic Duck' (2001, reprinted in paperback 2008). This analysis
was based on the work of F M Lancaster and R G Jaap, and also took
into account colours developed subsequent to 1963. Experimental
breeding with Calls and Indian Runners in particular has expanded
our knowledge and understanding of the interactions of the colour
genes. The British Waterfowl Standards 2008 now incorporate
genotypes, and 'Colour Breeding' gives examples of the colours which
span the breeds and gives advice on how to recognize them. Such
knowledge enables breeders to eliminate faults more easily, and to
refresh inbred flocks by appropriate out-crossing. It takes the
guesswork out of breeding and allows recognition of the phenotype by
focusing on diagnostics such as wing colour and pattern.
FOREWORD TO 'Colour Breeding in Domestic Ducks'
As far as duck breeders are concerned, the most influential figure
in the understanding of colour breeding is Maurice Lancaster.
‘F. M.’ Lancaster published a short series of articles in the
Waterfowl Magazine (1977–79). These were based on his research at
Harper Adams University College and the original monograph ‘The
inheritance of plumage colour in the common duck’, Bibliographia
Genetica, 1963. Even for readers not trained in genetics or biology,
these articles were ground-breaking. So it is with gratitude and
humility that our book explores the same field from the position of
the amateur duck breeder today.
Mike and Chris Ashton 2007 See Lancaster's review
CONTENTS OF COLOUR BREEEDING
Section 1 Basic genetics; The effects of all the known colour and
pattern genes in ducks and a list of breeds.
Section 2 Breeds and colour varieties under ten major headings -
ducklings and adults. Pictures of the wings of various breeds
showing the specula and wing coverts etc. in great detail.
Section 3 Sex-linkage
Section 4 Punnett’s early experiments with sex-linked brown
dilution; its effect when combined with the two pattern loci, M+ and
Li+
Section 5 Major pitfalls encountered in producing new breeds and
revitalising old ones. Recessive genes; epistatic genes. Complex
interactions between the two triple series controlling variations in
the basic ‘wild mallard’ pattern.
COLOUR GENETICS OF INDIAN RUNNERS
An understanding of colour genetics is particularly useful in
popular breeds where several colours can be developed on the same
type. This applies to Call ducks and Indian Runners. A knowledge of
genetics allows compatible colours to be crossed to keep the birds
healthy (not too inbred). Only small numbers of F1 and F2 birds need
be produced if the outcome is predictable.
Basic Colours
There are reports of ‘Penguin’ ducks being imported into Britain as
early as 1835. These ducks brought with them brown dilution and also
light phase and dusky mallard genes.
The term ‘Indian Runner’ was largely coined by John Donald in about
1890, when he described similar birds imported also some time in the
1830s. These included all-fawns, whites and pied pattern ducks, the
latter being the basis of the Poultry Club Standard publication of
1901. Black Runners were developed from an early white import that
also had a certain amount of black in its plumage. Crossed with a
Black East Indian, it allowed the development of both Black and
Chocolate Runners standardized in 1930 and the later
Cumberland Blue
Indian Runner, all three of which have extended black.
Trout Runners were the next to be standardized in Europe. They have
mallard (M+) genes instead of the more common dusky mallard (md).
When heterozygous for blue dilution (Bl/bl+), Trouts become Blue
Trouts. When homozygous for blue (Bl/Bl) they are Apricot Trouts
(Blau-gelb in German).
Note that in the USA, dark phase Mallard is the norm (with a solid
claret bib) rather than the light phase Trout predominant in Europe.
However, good Mallard stock is available in Germany.
Where dark phase has been combined with dusky, new colours such as
Khaki and Buff have been produced. These lack any claret bib and are
a similar colour to the Khaki Campbell and the Buff Orpington
because they have a similar genotype.
