title: Polymorphisms in eggshell organic matrix genes are associated with eggshell quality measurements in pedigree Rhode Island Red hens.
abstract: Novel and traditional eggshell quality measurements were made from up to 2000 commercial pedigree hens for a candidate gene association analysis with organic eggshell matrix genes: ovocleidin-116, osteopontin (SPP1), ovocalyxin-32 (RARRES1), ovotransferrin (LTF), ovalbumin and ovocalyxin-36, as well as key genes in the maintenance and function of the shell gland [estrogen receptor (ESR1) and carbonic anhydrase II (CAII)]. Associations were found for (i) ovalbumin with breaking strength and shell thickness; (ii) ovocleidin-116 with elastic modulus, shell thickness and egg shape; (iii) RARRES1 with mammillary layer thickness; (iv) ESR1 with dynamic stiffness; (v) SPP1 with fracture toughness and (vi) CAII with egg shape. The marker effects are as large as 17% of trait standard deviations and could be used to improve eggshell quality.
authors.affiliation: The Roslin Institute and R(D)SVS, University of Edinburgh, Roslin, Midlothian EH25 9PS, UK. ian.dunn@bbsrc.ac.uk
authors.forename: I C
authors.initials: IC
authors.lastname: Dunn
authors.forename: N T
authors.initials: NT
authors.lastname: Joseph
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bain
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Edmond
authors.forename: P W
authors.initials: PW
authors.lastname: Wilson
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Milona
authors.forename: Y
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Nys
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Gautron
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Schmutz
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Preisinger
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Waddington
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002645:Chickens / Q000235:genetics*; D004527:Egg Proteins / Q000235:genetics*; D004528:Egg Shell / Q000737:chemistry*; D004531:Eggs; D005260:Female; D020641:Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide
chemical_list: D004527:Egg Proteins