Duck Color Genetics - book and info 

An introduction to duck colour genetics was published in The Domestic Duck (2001, reprinted in paperback 2008). This analysis was based on the work of F M Lancaster and R G Jaap, and also took into account colours developed subsequent to 1963. Experimental breeding with Calls and Indian Runners in particular has expanded our knowledge and understanding of the interactions of the colour genes. The British Waterfowl Standards 2008 now incorporate genotypes, and Colour Breeding gives examples of the colours which span the breeds and gives advice on how to recognize them. Such knowledge enables breeders to eliminate faults more easily, and to refresh inbred flocks by appropriate out-crossing. It takes the guesswork out of breeding and allows recognition of the phenotype by focusing on diagnostics such as wing colour and pattern. 

FOREWORD TO Colour Breeding in Domestic Ducks
As far as duck breeders are concerned, the most influential figure in the understanding of colour breeding is Maurice Lancaster. 
‘F. M.’ Lancaster published a short series of articles in the Waterfowl Magazine (1977–79). These were based on his research at Harper Adams University College and the original monograph ‘The inheritance of plumage colour in the common duck’, Bibliographia Genetica, 1963. Even for readers not trained in genetics or biology, these articles were ground-breaking. So it is with gratitude and humility that our book explores the same field from the position of the amateur duck breeder today.

Mike and Chris Ashton 2007  See Lancaster's review 

CONTENTS OF DUCK COLOUR GENETICS
Section 1  Basic genetics; The effects of all the known colour and pattern genes in ducks and a list of breeds.
Section 2  Breeds and colour varieties under ten major headings -  ducklings and adults. Pictures of the wings of various breeds showing the specula and wing coverts etc. in great detail. 
Section 3 Sex-linkage 
Section 4  Punnett’s early experiments with sex-linked brown dilution;  its effect when combined with the two pattern loci, M⁺ and Li⁺
Section 5 Major pitfalls encountered in producing new breeds and revitalising old ones.  Recessive genes; epistatic genes. Complex interactions between the two triple series controlling variations in the basic ‘wild mallard’ pattern.  

The term ‘Indian Runner’ was largely coined by John Donald in about 1890, when he described similar birds imported also some time in the 1830s. These included all-fawns, whites and pied pattern ducks, the latter being the basis of the Poultry Club Standard publication of 1901. Black Runners were developed from an early white import that also had a certain amount of black in its plumage. Crossed with a Black East Indian, it allowed the development of both Black and Chocolate Runners standardized in 1930 and the later Cumberland Blue Indian Runner, all three of which have extended black.

Trout Runners were the next to be standardized in Europe. They have mallard (M+) genes instead of the more common dusky mallard (md). When heterozygous for blue dilution (Bl/bl+), Trouts become Blue Trouts. When homozygous for blue (Bl/Bl) they are Apricot Trouts (Blau-gelb in German). 

Note that in the USA, dark phase mallard is the norm (with a solid claret bib)  rather than the light phase Trout predominant in Europe. However, good Mallard stock is available in Germany. 

Where dark phase has been combined with dusky, new colours such as Khaki and Buff have been produced. These lack any claret bib  and are a similar colour to the Khaki Campbell and the Buff Orpington because they have a similar genotype. 

These books are available from Amazon

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£16.00 plus p&p
More details at The Indian Runner: A Historical Guide
Available through:
Amazon UK - search for Indian Runner Duck  - from seller ashton455 - £16.00 plus p&p
Also through bookseller Veronica Mayhew veronica.mayhew@virgin.net
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Domestic Geese  Crowood Press 1999, 2006, 2011
Geese have an unjust reputation for ruling the farmyard and being noisy and aggressive. Well reared, they are useful, amenable  and easy to keep. There is a comprehensive summary of the breeds in the UK  in Domestic Geese. The study  of management includes transport, housing, feeding, grazing and fencing. Goose behaviour and the approach to the breeding season is examined in detail, plus breeding, incubation and rearing of goslings. 192 pages, stitched, hardback, illustrated throughout with 140 photographs and diagrams, and an eight page colour section.   

Now out in paperback 2011 More info or buy online £11.99 at http://www.crowoodpress.co.uk/  
Farming and Land Use section. Carriage is free on orders over £30.00 

Now  in paperback

ISBN: 978 1 84797 050 3
192 pages
Paperback
246x189 mm
170 black & white photographs, 35 colour

The Domestic Duck -  Crowood Press first published 2001, paperback 2008
In 1865 there were only four officially recognized breeds of duck, each with its own distinct geographical origin. Yet by 1900 the commercialisation of the duck, as an egg layer and table bird, was to change radically the methods of production as well as the ducks themselves. The Khaki Campbell, amongst other 'designer' breeds, was part of a revolution from which the commercial duck seemed poised to oust the hen. 
   Despite such predictions, the duck was not developed for mass production to quite the same degree. Many of the breeds virtually disappeared during the Second World War, but were conserved to make a comeback in the 1950s and an even bigger impact in the 1980s. The function of ducks has also changed: as well as being a food source, they now provide pets and an interesting hobby for many enthusiasts. 
   This book traces the origins of the twenty three breeds of duck standardized in the Great Britain and examines their breed characteristics for both exhibition and utility purposes. It examines evidence of the origins of the breeds, and gives advice on acquiring, keeping and breeding ducks and selecting birds for utility purposes or exhibition. The Domestic Duck is a comprehensive and up-to-date guide for the serious breeder and hobbyist alike. 
Click Best Price on the Amazon connection for details
Or buy online at http://www.crowoodpress.co.uk/  £11.99
Farming and Land Use section Carriage is free on orders over £30.00 

Please note that all photographs and text on this website belong to Chris & Mike Ashton. They should not be reproduced
without our permission i.e. they should  not be used for advertising or commercial purposes.
Please telephone 01938 554011 for availability of books or stock 
We are in the UK near Shrewsbury on the border of England and Wales. 
We breed a limited quantity of pure breeds of domestic geese and Indian Runners, Hook Bills, Abacot Rangers and Call ducks each year. We do not sell hatching eggs.