Re: inbreeding/ was right bend tail

[Bill Cole]

From: "Rebecca Allbritton" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
|
| But you are using a gerbil which you know carries an undesirable
mutation
| for breeding. His offspring will carry this trait, even if they don't
show
| it, and it will crop up again later, no doubt. I don't understand why
you
| would use a gerbil that you know has a genetic defect in your breeding
| program?

Isn't that a pretty violent leap?

As you know, I know almost zip about genetics.  I know that NGS Standards
do not recognize a kinked tail  --  but so what for pets?  Perhaps
Ann-Marie's gerbils will be sought after for their unique kinked tails and
wonderful personalities.

I would take your criticism more seriously if I thought a kinked tail
implied discomfort for the gerbil.  Please show me if I'm wrong.