Variation in egg yolk cholesterol concentration between and within breeds of the domestic fowl.
1. The pattern of variation for egg yolk cholesterol concentration between 5 commercial egg layer lines and a cross of Gallus domesticus is described. 2. Yolk cholesterol concentration in the cross was lower than in the lines, and 6.7% lower than the midparent value. 3. It is proposed that the reduced yolk cholesterol concentration of the cross may be a consequence of heterosis, although sex-linkage and/or maternal effects cannot be discounted. 4. The difference between the cross and parental lines is consistent with a physiological relationship between yolk cholesterol concentration and rate of egg production, but not between yolk cholesterol concentration and yolk weight.
Hall
L M
LM
AFRC Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics Research, Edinburgh Research Station, Roslin, Midlothian, UK.
McKay
J C
JC
D000818:Animals; D002645:Chickens / Q000378:metabolism*; D002784:Cholesterol / Q000032:analysis*; D004530:Egg Yolk / Q000737:chemistry*; D016013:Likelihood Functions; D013045:Species Specificity
D002784:Cholesterol