UTILIZATION OF THE SEX-LINKED GENE FOR IMPERFECT ALBINISM (S-ASTERISK-ALS) .2. YOLK-SAC LIPID UTILIZATION

The gene for sex-linked imperfect albinism (SALS) has been associated with reduced early growth and slow utilization of the yolk sac conten ts. Neonatal growth was studied using albino and nonalbino full siblin gs that were dissected at 2-d intervals from Day 16 of incubation to 7 d after hatch. Fatty acid composition of the yolk, yolk sac membrane, and liver was determined to study neonatal lipid metabolism. At hatch , albinos had similar BW and lower (P < 0.01) liver weights, suggestin g reduced lipid transfer from the yolk sac during late incubation. Non albinos started gaining weight at 3 d after hatch, 1 d earlier than al bino chicks. Albinos had reduced growth (P < 0.01), larger yolk sacs ( P < 0.05), and similar (P > 0.05) yolk uptake from hatch to 7 d after hatch. Albino chicks also had lower body temperatures (P < 0.05) at 2, 4, and 6 d after hatch.