+ Mutation Idea: Double Muscling +

Double Muscling is a mutation caused by lack of Myostatin in an animal or by Myostatin tampering. We'll be going over the natural lack of Myostatin.

This mutation appears when the offspring has received the gene for a lack of myostatin (or in some cases defective myostatin receptors) from both parents, as with many mutations. While little is really known about the effects of Myostatin, it is certain that lack of it does cause this almost bloating-like effect on animals' muscles known as double muscling (Myostatin-related muscle hypertrophy).

+ Below is a set of mockups ranging from cub to adult stage for females. These were done drawing over the lioden art in order to make it easier to imagine them in-game. I am not an animal expert and did my best when trying to create the lion muscular anatomy seen. +

+ Can this even happen in lions? +

While there are no confirmed reports of true double muscling lions, it is certainly possible. This mutation has been found in many species including cattle, dogs, mice, rabbits, goats, humans, and your common house cat. It is mostly caused by artificial selection such as in the case of whippets, Pitbulls, and Belgian Blue cattle. However, though it's main cause is artificial selection, there have been cases of double muscling happening naturally as seen in human cases. There is a high likelihood of this being possible in the big cat families as well.
+ Below is an example image of something similar to the condition. This is not a confirmed example of the aforementioned condition. While it is not a confirmed case, it does give insight into the possibility of looks and functionality+

+ What are the complications, if any? +

These animals tend to live relatively normal lives besides some exceptions. Animals, specifically female animals, who carry this gene often have complications in birth and require a cesarian section. They are also prone to miscarriages and stillbirths due to this. There are a few ways to go about this, but my favorite is having miscarriages. These miscarriages would not induce the same mutation boost as cotton root bark, however. Miscarriages wouldn't affect Instant Cub Deliveries. This would be one way to ensure the survival of the litter and also make it easier to code.

+ What are the benefits and negatives, if any? +

The lion may receive a speed or agility penalty due to the extra muscle mass making them heavier and reducing their ability to move and they may gain a strength boost. The extra muscle mass would make them slower, however stronger.

+ Is it passable? +

This is up to the admins, if they choose to use it, however, it is naturally passable! This can be seen in the breeding for Belgian Blue Cattle!

+ Minor suggestions or possibilities +

1. This could potentially have an applicator like Primal, Overgrown fur and Piebalds! I think it would be really cool to get it during the may Championship event! It could maybe be bought in the shop or gotten from an encounter.