Genetic Control of Erythrocyte Esterase Isozymes (Es-8) in the Chicken

Genetic variation in esterase of chicken erythrocytes was studied by the thin-layer agar gel electrophoresis, and three phenotypes such as AA, AB and BB were detected in the region of fast mobility on the anodic side. It was made clear that these phenotypes were controlled by a pair of co-dominant alleles, i.e. Es-8A and Es-8B, located on the autosome. From the results of the substrate and inhibitor test Es-8 esterase was assumed to be an aliesterase.Phenotypic distribution and gene frequency of Es-8 locus in ten breeds of chickens were estimated. White Leghorn (0.85) showed a high frequency of Es-8A, while White Cornish (0.86), White Plymouth Rock (dw strain; 0.96) and Satsumadori (0.81) demonstrated high frequencies of Es-8B.