Hi Rebecca: There are only two known Lethal Factors in chins. One involves the Black Velvet Colour Trait and basically means that it cannot exist in a homozygous state. This implies that one should NOT mate together Black Velvets or the derivatives, Brown Velvets/TOVs and Black White Crosses. Expect litter sizes to be about 25% smaller than normal. The other Lethal Factor involves the Wilson White Colour Trait. While similar, it is entirely distinct from the Black Velvet Lethal Factor. One should not mate together Wilson Whites or the derivatives, White Mosaics, Pink Whites, Creams, Golden Mosaics and Black White Crosses, Again, expect litter sizes to be about 25% smaller than normal. Note that in the mating of two Black White Crosses, both the Black Velvet and Wilson White Lethal Factors are present. Therefore, expect litter sizes to be 50% smaller than normal in this situation. One should also NOT permit any of the above mutual matings because the offspring in successive generations tend to become progressively weaker. Coloured chin lineages should be periodically out-crossed with "fresh" Grey/Standard stock to re-infuse vitality and strength. ********************************************* ********************************************* ** ttfn, Gerbil Maniac ** ** <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> ** ********************************************* ********************************************* Gerbil Owners Directory <http://surf.to/GerbilMania> On Thu, 16 Mar 2000 13:00:25 Rebecca Allbritton wrote: >At 09:13 AM 3/16/00 -0800, Ann Alkire wrote: >>Hello, >>A fellow Gerbil and Chinchilla breeder I know asked me if I knew of any >>semi-lethal genes in gerbs. He knew they occur in chins and wants to know >>of any in gerbs. I know that the spotting gene reduces the size of litters >>when both parents carry the "Sp" gene because the "SpSp" pups are never born >>because they get reabsorbed. > >What are some of the semi lethals in chins? > >Rebecca... > What are you N2? Choose from 150 free e-mail addresses. http://www.n2mail.com
