FAQ: Are cross sections of feathers the only way to determine colour mutations?
Absolutely not. Cross sections in combination with a light microscope give us only the basic information on what type of mutation we probably have:
- Melanin mutations: Leucism? Albinism? Dilution?
- Change of feathers structure / keratin layer?
- Other pigmentation?
- ……
For further research we need other, more specific tools.
Here is a list of recommended scientific instruments / methods needed to:
detect the presence of melanins in feathers:
- Electron microscope (not always 100% accurate – give us only an optical view)
- Raman spectroscopy
identify / quantify melanins in feathers:
- Raman spectroscopy
- HPLC – High-performance liquid chromatography
identify / detect psittacofulvins / carotenoids in feathers:
- Raman spectroscopy
- HPLC – High-performance liquid chromatography
analyse / measure tyrosinase activity:
- LAMBDA 465
- UV/Vis Spectrophotometer
- Raman spectroscopy
analyse / examine feather structure / keratin layers / scattering:
- Electron microscope
- X-ray diffraction
Keep in mind that we always need to compare with the normal wild type AND the only way to have a good view on the genotype of the mutation is DNA sequencing.
