Scientists have identified the genetic mutation responsible for the first blue chicken eggs in
South American Mapuche fowl and their European descendants,
Araucana, 200 to 500 years ago.
They used the unique genetic resources conserved by heritage or “fancy” poultry breeders to identify the exact location of the mutation in the genome in blue egg laying chickens and an additional genomic study to reveal the genetic cause of the blue colored eggshell is a harmless ancient retrovirus in the domestic chicken.
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