MC1R gene polymorphisms and plumage color in greater rheas: preliminary results

Greater rheas are wild ratite birds native to South America that are also raised in commercial farms. Rhea feathers are marketable products, with the white ones having a higher market value since they are easier to dye. Grey feathers are the most common phenotype, also occurring all-white birds. The present mechanism and gene action behind the white plumage phenotype expression are not known. The aim of this study was to verify whether the MC1R gene affects plumage color in rheas. Ten greater rheas (7 white and 3 grey) were studied for the partial region of the MC1R gene by PCR-sequencing. Two synonymous SNPs linked and associated with color were found, with white plumage being dominant. Marker-assisted selection or even phenotypic selection can be easily applied in farms and zoos, as white animals have a higher market value and/or are more attractive for display. The results herein presented are already applicable.