|
RATIONALE
FOR CHAMPIONSHIP STATUS
FOR THE MAINE COON POLYDACTYL
INTRODUCTION:
Much has been said
recently about the goal of our group, PolyStandard, to advance the
polydactyl
trait in Maine Coons from the New Traits Division to Championship
Status. We would like to offer
some factual statements and references for all to consider. The
matter will come before the TICA
Maine Coon Breed section as vote of individuals and their personal
preferences as well as the TICA
Board of Directors for a ratification of this ballot. We, as the
submitters of the application, are
appreciative of the views of all involved and fully respect the
votes of all regardless of position.
However, we do feel that much has been said that is based on the
lack of understanding of the Trait,
as well as perpetuation of tales passed on through the generations.
We only ask that votes and
formal considerations of the issue be based on facts, as much more
is known nowadays about
polydactylism in the Maine Coon Breed. Much of this is scientific
and genetic based, and more
specific information comes from the continuing experiences of Maine
Coon Breeders that are
working with the Maine Coon polydactyl. This information, from a
rapidly expanding of pool of Maine
Coon Breeders that work with the poly on a daily basis, has been
compiled into a Worldwide
database that is available to all: The Scientific and Genetic
Community, Breeders and Fanciers all
over the World, Cat Associations and the General Public. This is, as
far as we know, the most
comprehensive collection of observations and facts about a trait in
a pedigreed breed that has ever
been documented. We hope that all will take advantage of the
information contained in this
rationale to make an informed decision about allowing the Maine Coon
polydactyl into the
Championship rings around the World and restoring equal rights and
status to a large portion of the
pedigreed Maine Coon Breed.
WHAT IS POLYDACTYL:
In the scientific literature, the term polydactyly (poly meaning
many and dactyl referring to digits) is
often used to refer to extra digits.
There are 2 forms of polydactyly; pre-axial and post-axial. Axial
refers to the folding of the embryonic
limb. The “thumb” side is before the axis (pre-axial) and the
“little finger” side is post-axial. In
humans it is usually post axial i.e. an extra little finger, whereas
in cats it is normally pre-axial with
the extra toe on the thumb side of the foot.
The form of polydactyly most often seen in cats is the result of a
simple autosomal dominant trait. It
does not appear to affect the cat adversely and is not known to be
associated with other anomalies.
See Reference Footnote:1
(Polydactyly and Related Traits - Dr. Solveig Pflueger, Fall 1998)
CLICK ->
http://polystandard.polytrak.net/acceptance/1-Pflueger_Traits.pdf
HISTORY:
When the breed was first accepted in cat associations the decision
to exclude the Maine Coon poly
was not due to health issues. It was aesthetics. The image of
polydactyly was seen as a close
reference to the domestic or barn cat. It was intended to introduce
the trait at a later date, once the
Maine Coon Breed was established. This visible trait was only bred
out to fit show standards.
During its inception, the MCBFA included the Polydactyl Standard. It
states: Our MCBFA
Polydactyl Standard has been voted in by our membership, and the
wording is as follows: “The
Maine Coon Polydactyl Cat should conform to the Standard of the
Maine Coon Cat, with the
exception that multiple toes are allowed on either fore
or hind paws or both.”
See Reference Footnote:2(Scratch Sheet spring 1970)
CLICK ->
http://polystandard.polytrak.net/acceptance/2-Scratch_Sheet.pdf
In a letter dated September 29th 1973 the then Vice-President of the
MCBFA Mr. Ljostad says: “We
knew that many Maine Coon cats were polydactyl and did not want this
trait to get entirely lost from
the breed. Then we heard that some of the breeders who had these
cats were no longer able to
breed them. So my wife and I decided we had better get one and keep
this trait going in the breed.”
See Reference Footnote:3
(Letter dated September 29th 1973 of the then Vice-President of the
MCBFA Mr. Ljostad.)
CLICK ->
http://polystandard.polytrak.net/acceptance/3-Ljostad_Letter.pdf
A cat FAQ on the MCBFA website refers to why the Maine Coon
polydactyl was culled from the
breed as it was a disqualification in competition.
See URL (Breed FAQ’s)
CLICK ->
http://www.fanciers.com/breed-faqs/maine-coon-faq.html
Over the course of time a few Maine Coon breeders kept the trait
alive in their breeding programs.
During 2001 to 2004 these breeders started to organize, and realized
there were breeders
Worldwide that had been doing the same. In 2005 there was a
concentrated effort to start
reintroducing the trait again to the show ring. The Maine Coon
polydactyls were entered into the
New Traits division to start the education of the trait and to start
gaining exposure.
As the Maine Coon polydactyl was seen as a pet the breed standard
type faltered. The breeders
started a concentrated effort to tighten up the standard on the
Maine Coon polys. This will indeed
take time but from 2005 to present day the type has greatly
improved.
Also there was an additional awareness. In 2006 a database litter
tracking system was developed.
PolyTrak.
See URL (Poly Data Listings)
CLICK ->
http://www.polytrak.net
Data is being collected
from litters
Worldwide that have Maine Coon polydactyls as parents. Each litter
documents sire, dam, kittens,
sex, colour, date of birth, digit description, still born, cat
association registry, country location and
breeder comments. Data tracking also includes a search/sort of
gender, poly – non poly, digits left
or right front, left or right rear, number of paws that are
polydactyl or name.
Example:
KITTENS AND RELATED INFORMATION FROM OUR POLY LITTER TRACKING
PROGRAM!
TABULATED TOTALS & PERCENTAGES
Total Kittens Listed = 801
Total Males = 387 (51.3%) Total Females = 367 )48.7%) Total Not
Counted = 47
Total Polys = 430 (55.7%) Total Non Polys = 342 (44.3%) Total Not
Counted = 29
Number of Pd gene affected paws per kitten (Polydactyl)
Number of Polys sampled = 430
1WD = 4 (1%) 2FWD = 169 (40.6%) 2FWD = 169 (40.6%)
3WD = 27 (6.5%) 4WD = 209 (50.2%) Unknown = 14
See URL (Individual Kitten Listings - Sorted by User Choice )
CLICK ->
http://www.polytrak.net/database/search/selectsort.php
At the end of August 2009 there were 798 kittens listed in
PolyTrak born as part of a polydactyl litter.
428 of these kittens listed are polydactyl.
· 4 Kittens (1.1%) are 1WD
· 167 Kittens (40.3%) are 2FWD
· 7 Kittens (1.7%) are 2RWD
· 27 Kittens (6.5%) are 3WD
· 209 (50.5%) are 4WD
· 14 Kittens have unknown paws
· 428 litter kittens are from poly Sire
· 345 litter kittens are from poly Dam
· 28
litter kittens – both parents are poly
· 7 litter kittens have
homozygous Sire
· No
litter kittens with homozygous Dam
Go to the source:
Information concerning breeding with the Maine Coon polydactyl
should be accessed from
experienced Maine Coon breeders that have had the polydactyls in
their programs for a number of
years. They have documented matings that include poly x non poly,
poly x poly and homozygous
poly x non-poly. Documentation from the breeders show there is no
effects with a poly x poly
mating. It is suggested to do a poly x non-poly mating to track the
genetics of the parents to know
which one the polydactyl gene came from. To get a poly you need a
poly. On average with the
listings with PolyTrak to date, we are showing that 55.7% of kittens
born are polydactyl. Individual
litters produce individual results and this percentage is averaged
over many litters. Breeders have
reported no poly kittens in litters, one, two, three….etc. It is a
roll of the dice and can be compared
to the male/female percentage, you have a 50 50 chance with each
kitten. When you have a poly x
poly mating it is estimated you will have 75% poly kittens in a
litter. If one parent is a homozygous
poly then the litter will be 100% polydactyl.
Genetics:
Dr. Leslie Lyons, University of California, Davis has worked with
Maine Coon breeders for years,
collecting DNA samples to identify the polydactyl gene. Her
determination coupled with other
studies states the following: Pd gene is absolutely
harmless even when homozygous and has
nothing in common with Rh gene.
See Reference Footnote:4(Dr. Lyons in Moscow)
CLICK ->
http://polystandard.polytrak.net/acceptance/4-DrLyons_Moscow.pdf
As well these Maine Coon polydactyl DNA samples have been used in an
in depth study by:
Human Molecular Genetics, 2008, Vol. 17, No. 7 978–985 (6)
doi:10.1093/hmg/ddm370
Advance Access published on December 21, 2007
Laura A. Lettice, Alison E. Hill, Paul S. Devenney and Robert E.
Hill_
MRC-Human Genetics Unit, Western General Hospital, Crewe Rd,
Edinburgh EH4 2XU, UK
The determination is as follows: Discussion:
(page 6)
Analysis of polydactylous cats identified three new mutations
associated with preaxial polydactyly.
As found for human and mouse (8), the cat mutations reside within
the ZRS suggesting that the
nature of preaxial polydactyly in cats is equivalent to other
mammals. Since these mutations
produce a limb-specific phenotype in human with no other discernible
physiological defects, we
submit that this type of polydactyly has no further detrimental
affect on the cat’s health.
See Reference Footnote: 5
Human Molecular Genetics, 2008, Vol. 17, No. 7 978–985
CLICK ->
http://polystandard.polytrak.net/acceptance/5-Molecular_Genetics.pdf
ADVANCEMENT TO CHAMPIONSHIP STATUS:
The advancement to Championship Status for the Maine Coon polydactyl
would require a change to
the breed standard. Polydactyl allowed, maximum 7 digits per paw.
Because the polydactyl gene can be expressed in different ways, a
digit description has been
devised for clarity on thumbs, toes and dewclaws.
See Reference Footnote:6
(Guide to Digit Identification and Paw Photo Examples)
CLICK ->
http://polystandard.polytrak.net/acceptance/6-Digit_Guide.pdf
We at PolyStandard (a group of 70 plus members representing well
over a hundred current
Breeders and Show people around the World from all the major Cat
Associations) have listened
carefully to your claims, and, to the best of our ability, we have
taken the time to look further into
your statements. With the best interest of the Maine Coon, both
polydactyl and standard-footed, we
offer the following information and offer you sources of factual
information.
GENETICS:
Much has been said over the years about the fact that polydactylism
is a breeding defect that will
produce extreme expressions and severe maladies to a Maine Coon.
Nothing could be further from
the truth as born out by Scientific Studies and general observations
for decades.
I. In 1947 The Danforth Studies of a largely in-bred population from
two DLH Dams produced 254
poly kittens which were observed and logged: "The trait is not
related to sex, and no evidence is
found that its gene is lethal" He did not find evidence of split
foot or radial hypoplasia (also called
radial hemimelia) in his studies.
See URL (Polydactyl Cats – Part 1 Copyright 2001-2009)
CLICK ->
http://www.messybeast.com/poly-cats.html
In 2007, Laura A. Lettice,
Alison E. Hill, Paul S. Devenney and
Robert E. Hill from the MRC-Human Genetics Unit, Western General
Hospital in Edinburgh U. K.
studied polydactylism in the feline world. This was an attempt to
expand on the current known
genes that produce polydactyl expression in various species
including humans, mice and cats.
The feline study identified 3 variants of the Pd Gene, although
similar, had slightly different
expressions. This brought the total to 13, the number of identified
genetic expressions of
polydactylism, 3 of which were specifically associated with cats
only. Although noted in the study,
that polydactylism can be a problem in other species, no noted
problems were found in the feline
world. This study included Pedigreed Maine Coons, as well as
Pedigreed PixieBobs and British
Cats. The 3 variants are all benign expressions of the Pd gene. The
study concluded that:
"Analysis of polydactylous cats identified three new mutations...we
submit that this type of
polydactyly has not further detrimental effect on the cat's health".
(Source; Human Molecular
Genetics, 2008, Vol. 17, No. 7 doi:10.1093/hmg/ddm370 Advance Access
published on
December 21, 2007). The quote is just a small portion of the
findings, but the full report and
conclusions can be read from the source.
See Reference Footnote:5 (Human Molecular Genetics,
2008, Vol. 17,No. 7 978–985)
CLICK ->
http://polystandard.polytrak.net/acceptance/5-Molecular_Genetics.pdf
II. In 2006 PolyTrak was established to further look into the
expressions of polydactylism in the
Maine Coon Breed. Although not Scientific from the standpoint of
controlled breeding and
observations in a sterile lab, the PolyTrak studies have involved a
much larger number of
pedigreed Maine Coon kittens and adults over the past 9 years from
"real-world" settings.
These observations and studies are continuing to this day to compare
the Scientific studies
with observations from Catteries and pet-homes throughout the World.
With over a 1000
Maine Coons, no noted detrimental effects from a genetic standpoint
have been
observed...thus lending credence to the above noted Scientific
studies and observations.
See URL (PolyTrak Website - Litter & Breeder Tracking)
Click ->:
http://www.polytrak.net
III. In addition to the above observations and studies, over 40
years of breeding and working
with Maine Coon polydactyls from Catteries and responsible breeders
around the World
supports the hypothesis that if polydactyl breeding in pedigreed
Maine Coons were a
problem, "We would certainly know that by now!"
IV. "Mother Nature" selectively perpetuates or culls various genetic
traits from all species based
on "survivability" criteria. Those traits that aid a cat will be
retained and most likely enhanced
over hundreds or thousands of years. Those traits that are not
conducive to its survivability
will be not favourably maintained and will die out of a population.
Regardless of personal
feelings of whether or not a Maine Coon poly should be standing
"front and center" in the
Show Ring, we as stewards of these animals have a duty to not
randomly cull or diminish a
trait based on what we would like to compete with. We also have a
duty as stewards to aid in
the elimination of debilitating genetic maladies that can cause a
"quality of life" issue with a
particular cat or the breed as a whole.
Conclusion:
The Maine Coon polydactyl has been fully accepted as part of
the Maine Coon breed and has equal
status for show purposes in the New Zealand Cat Fancy (the first WCC
member organization to do
so). Maine Coon polys are generally accepted for registration as a
Maine Coon throughout many
Cat Associations around the World, including TICA. The few that do
not accept the Maine Coon
polydactyl as part of the MC Breed are now beginning to revisit that
stance. The F.C.C.Q, recently
made such a change and discussions are on-going in other
Associations. TICA, as a genetics based
Registry and with "member-driven" policies, has made provisions for
the introduction of a nonharmful
trait and "genetically valid trait" into a Breed Standard. This is
done primarily through an
"Advanced New Traits" division, where the trait can be observed and
the cat judged as a Maine
Coon in a "show ring" setting, so that all may see the expression
and how a cat compares to its
other pedigreed counterparts. This display and judging has been
going on throughout the World
since September of 2005. Again no noted problems or genetic
expressions that would preclude its
full acceptance.
It is generally accepted throughout the Cat Fancy that Maine Coon
polydactyls are indeed an
intricate and positive part of the Maine Coon Breed. Although there
are a myriad of Rules and
Standards in the various Cat Associations, all can be changed to
allow full acceptance of the poly
Maine Coon by forward-thinking people without personal prejudice.
There is a concern that accepting Maine Coon polydactyls in the show
ring would encourage
extreme breeding practices. This could be a valid concern from the
standpoint that extreme (and
sometimes harmful) traits are bred for showing purposes in the name
of a perfect or better show
quality cats. Due the different nature of the Pd gene in Maine Coons
from other dominant traits, this
is likely not possible. Mother Nature has built in a limit of 9 or
10 digits just due to the physical
limitations and space on the limb bud. Although documented Maine
Coons have never exceeded 8
digits (Source: www.polytrak.net)
, if a way were found to breed cats with excessive number of
digits, the limit would soon be reached due to physical restraints.
Further, as a protection against
this remote possibility, TICA, recognizing polydactyly as a valid
trait, any polydactyl variant of an
established breed showing in Championship status, would be limited
to a maximum of 7 digits per
paw. The Pixie Bob Breed has placed a maximum of 7 digits for show
purposes and the Maine
Coon would do likewise. Thus in the show ring, at least with TICA,
one will never see a cat with
more than 7 digits on a paw.
See URL (TICA – Standing Rules) CLICK ->
http://www.tica.org
This at present
encompasses over 99% of the sampled kittens born in the last few
years.
The fact that remains is the gene is variable in expression
regardless of breeding combinations. It is
not lethal or even different in expression in its homozygous form,
as is the case in some other
expressions of a dominant gene. See Reference
Footnote:7(Dr. Lyons Speaks before the WCC in Arnhem, The Netherlands)
CLICK ->
http://polystandard.polytrak.net/acceptance/7-DrLyons_Arnhem.pdf.
Any areas concerning genetics can at some time produce anomalies of
nature.
Extremes may be found in any areas.This is the exception in life.
Not the rule.
The Maine Coon polydactyl was part of this "natural" Breed and even
in the beginning was
considered and desired by many to be included as a Maine Coon in the
Standard.
See URL (Maine Coon Breeders and Fancier Association)
CLICK ->
http://www.mcbfa.org.
It’s origins in the State of Maine are so cherished it is the
Official Maine State Cat and fully accepted
in their hearts, regular footed or polydactyl.
We as fanciers and breeders of the Maine Coon polydactyl are
custodians of the breed first and
foremost. The breed standard should not supersede protection of the
breed and its harmless
naturally occurring traits.
In every sense we believe the full meaning of this TICA statement
and are firmly committed. “We
are tireless champions for the welfare of cats.”
We are the champions for these great cats we feel
they should be Champions as well.
Thank you
The Maine Coon Breeders and Fanciers that support the Maine Coon
polydactyl Championship
Status of a New Trait - PolyStandard
TIMELINE:
Polydactyly and Related Traits - Dr. Solveig
Pflueger, Fall 1998
Attached article
Dr. Leslie Lyons - 2001
Maine Coon breeders with polydactyls in their programs start sending
DNA swabs to UC Davis for
genetic testing. See URL (Polytrak & UC, Davis
working together for collection of DNA swabs)
CLICK ->http://www.polytrak.net/msc/dr_lyons_dna.htm
September 2005
Dr. Solveig Pflueger at the TICA Annual 2005 show suggested starting
the database.
PolyTrak See URL (Poly Data Listings)
CLICK -> http://www.polytrak.net
International Maine Coon Polydactyl Litter
Tracking Database --- Over 1156 listings to date
June 2006
DNA samples can now be sent to University of California, Davis, One
Shields Avenue, Davis, CA
USA 95616. Cotton swabs can be used for samples, include Polytrak
database number for
pedigree tracking See URL (Polytrak & UC, Davis
working together for collection of DNA swabs)
CLICK ->http://www.polytrak.net/msc/dr_lyons_dna.htm
Human Molecular Genetics, 2008, Vol. 17, No. 7
978–985
doi:10.1093/hmg/ddm370
Advance Access published on December 21, 2007 – attached
article
Point mutations in a distant sonic hedgehog cis-regulator generate a
variable regulatory
output responsible for preaxial polydactyly
Laura A. Lettice, Alison E. Hill, Paul S. Devenney and Robert E.
Hill_
MRC-Human Genetics Unit, Western General Hospital, Crewe Rd,
Edinburgh EH4 2XU, UK
Received October 16, 2007; Revised November 20, 2007; Accepted
December 16, 2007
Seminar in Moscow, Russian federaton
Dr. Leslie Lyons, PhD, Assistant Professor at UC Davis, California
recently
presented a seminar on genetics in Moscow, Russian Federation
Statement from Dr Lyons: Pd gene is absolutely
harmless
even when homozygous and has nothing in common with Rh gene.
April 11, 2009 World Cat Congress, The
Netherlands:
Open discussion with WCC Delegates began at 17:15.
Delegates spoke about their thoughts on including the Maine Coon
Poly in the show ring.
Dr. Leslie Lyons UC Davis commented: a recent study on polydactyly
was done and that
there are no problems with Maine Coon polydactyls, not even when
they were homozygous.
July – Sept 2009 Correspondence with Dr.
Leslie Lyons and Vonne Bode, Database
Coordinator, PolyTrak
REFERENCED FOOTNOTES:
1 Polydactyly and Related Traits - Dr. Solveig Pflueger, Fall 1998
CLICK ->
http://polystandard.polytrak.net/acceptance/1-Pflueger_Traits.pdf
2 Scratch Sheet spring 1970
CLICK ->
http://polystandard.polytrak.net/acceptance/2-Scratch_Sheet.pdf
3 Letter dated September 29th 1973 of the then Vice-President of the
MCBFA Mr.Ljostad
CLICK ->
http://polystandard.polytrak.net/acceptance/3-Ljostad_Letter.pdf
4 Dr. Lyons in Moscow (PolyTrak Newsletter Vol.3-No.4)
CLICK ->
http://polystandard.polytrak.net/acceptence/4-DrLyons_Moscow.pdf
5 Human Molecular Genetics, 2008, Vol. 17, No. 7 978–985
CLICK -> http://polystandard.polytrak.net/acceptance/
5-Molecular_Genetics.pdf
6 Guide to Digit Identification and Paw Photo Examples
CLICK ->
http://polystandard.polytrak.net/acceptance/6-Digit_Guide.pdf
7 Dr. Lyons Speaks before the WCC in Arnhem, The Netherlands
CLICK ->
http://polystandard.polytrak.net/acceptance/7-DrLyons_Arnhem.pdf.
Other Referenced Links:
See URL (Poly Data Listings) CLICK ->
http://www.polytrak.net
See URL (Breed FAQ’s) CLICK ->
http://www.fanciers.com/breed-faqs/maine-coon-faq.html
See URL (Kitten Listings - Sorted) CLICK ->
http://www.polytrak.net/database/search/selectsort.php
See URL (Polydactyl Cats – Part 1 ©2001-2009)
CLICK ->
http://www.messybeast.com/poly-cats.html
See URL (TICA – Standing Rules) CLICK ->
http://www.tica.org
See URL (Maine Coon Breederrs and Fancier Association)
CLICK ->
http://www.mcbfa.org
See URL (Polytrak & UC, Davis collecting DNA )
CLICK ->
http://www.polytrak.net/msc/dr_lyons_dna.htm
See URL (Interview with Don Shaw in March 1976)
CLICK ->
http://polystandard.polytrak.net/acceptance/X-Don_Shaw_Interview.pdf
See URL (PolyTrak xls Spreadsheet showing a line trace of one
polydactyl Foundation – Gray Luv Perry)
CLICK ->
http://polystandard.polytrak.net/acceptance/X-Heritage.xls
See URL (Excellent Article by Susan Grindell from New Zealand on
polydactylism)
CLICK ->
http://polystandard.polytrak.net/acceptance/X-Suzan_Article.pdf
Revised: 07 October. 2009 |
