Detection of genes on the Z-chromosome affecting growth and feathering in broilers

Detection of genes located on the Z-chromosome differs from the detection o f genes located on autosomal chromosomes. In the present study, the chicken Z-chromosome is scanned for genes affecting growth traits and feathering. For this purpose, data from a three-generation full-sib-half-sib design was available: parents, full-sib offspring, and half-sib grandoffspring. The p arents and full-sib offspring were genotyped for 17 markers on the Z-chromo some. Phenotypic data were only available for grandoffspring. Only the segr egation of male chromosomes provides information on the presence of genes, and therefore, a half-sib interval mapping approach was used. The featherin g gene was detected significantly and was located between markers ADL0022 a nd MCW0331. No significant indications were found for the presence of quant itative trait loci affecting growth traits on the Z-chromosome.