Split to XXX?

[LuvinMyPeeps]

What does "Split to ____" mean? I saw a few posts now that said, "split to lavendar". What does that mean?

 

[Krys109uk]

It is a word used for heterozygous. In the case of lavender heterozygous for lavender non lavender (Lav+/lav). In that context usually meaning a black bird carrying a lavender gene which doesn't show because it is recssive.

 

[LuvinMyPeeps]

Thanks!

 

[Sonoran Silkies]

And it is generally only used when referring to hidden (recessive genes). Dominant genes show, whereas recessive ones only show when there are no more dominant alleles present. The only way you actually know a recessive gene is present is from breeding records or if the bird has an offspring who displays a recessive trait.

For example, if you breed a black bird to a lavender bird, all offspring will be split for lav.