Bronwyn McEntee <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote
>Hi everyone
>
>Firstly I was wondering if anyone could recommend a book which explains
>the genetics of gerbils in depth.
I doubt there is one.
There are books that discuss coat colour genetics in detail, but most of
these are out of print.
The Colours of Mice by Silvers is very good, but probably too detailed
for most people. Silvers is getting on a bit and many of us are eagerly
awaiting an updated edition of this very good book!
COMPARATIVE GENETICS OF COAT COLOUR IN MAMMALS, Searle A G, Logos Press
Ltd, 1968
Has very good section explaining how coat colour is generated and
discusses in detail the genetics of various colours in many mammalian
species. However, it is an old book and gerbil are barely mentioned.
COLOUR INHERITENCE IN SMALL LIVESTOCK, Robinson R, Fur and Feather,
1978, 0 903775 06 9, 99-100
Roy Robinson was one of the primary characters in the research of small
mammal coat colour genetics for more than four decades when he died in
the mid 90's. This book, which is still available from the publishers of
Fur and Feather magazine and discusses the genetics of coat colour in
those animals regularly bred for show in the UK at the time of writing.
It includes cats, rabbits, cavies, mice, rats, hamsters and gerbils.
Roy has also written books on Dog and Cat genetics.
My personal view would be that if possible get hold of Roy's book. Then
look at websites on Gerbil genetics, including:
http://www.gerbils.co.uk/gerbils/applied.htm
Then, if you want to know more try and get hold of Searle's book to find
out a bit more about how the genes lead to colour. Finally, try and get
hold of Silvers if you are interested in the great range of colours that
have appeared in mice, or are interested in the detailed biochemistry of
gene action.
--
Julian
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* Jackie and Julian *
* [EMAIL PROTECTED] *
* National Gerbil Society *
* http://www.gerbils.co.uk/ *
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