Equine Color Genetics

by Sponenberg, D. Phillip

• ISBN13: 9780813813646
• ISBN10: 0813813646
• Edition: 3rd
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2009-03-17
• Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell

Summary

Equine Color Genetics, Third Edition, presents the most recent advances in color genetics for breeders of horses, donkeys, and mules. The book provides valuable information that enables breeders to tailor their breeding programs to maximize desired color outcomes and minimize undesired color. The text bridges the gap between the scientific and lay communities without ignoring the intricate and complex issues involved in horse and donkey color genetics. This new edition presents more explicit and detailed explanations than were previously possible, including a more extensive Appaloosa section. The section on donkey colors includes the results of studies in the genetic control of color in this species, which will greatly assist donkey breeders as they tailor breeding programs to their own goals.

Author Biography

D. Phillip Sponenberg, DVM, PhD, is professor of pathology and genetics at the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, and has worked in the field of animal color genetics for nearly three decades. His work with rare breed conservation, largely through the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy, has provided ample opportunity to pursue the variations and details of color in several uncommon but important breeds.

Table of Contents

Introduction

Basic Considerations of Horse Color Identification

Basic Principles of Genetics

Pigments in Horses

Pigment Cell Function

Basic Dark Horse Colors: Bay, Chestnut, Black, and Brown

Bay, Chestnut, and Black: Definition and Classification

Bay, Chestnut, and Black: Genetic Control

Dominant Black

Two Subtypes of Bay: Wild Bay and Bay

Seal Brown

General Factors Modifying Bay, Chestnut, and Black

Sorrel: Def

Mane and Tail Color on Chestnut and Sorrel: Gen

Bend Or Spots

Dapples

Colors Built from the Basic Colors

Linebacked Dun: Definition and Classification

Linebacked Dun: Genetic Control

Cream-related Colors: Definition and Classification

Cream-related Colors: Genetic Control

Champagne: Definition and Classification

Champagne: Genetic Control

Pearl: Definition, Classification, and Genetic Control

Silver Dapple: Definition and Classification

Silver Dapple: Genetic Control

Mushroom: Definition, Classification, and Genetic Control

Other Dilutions

Compound Dilute Colors

Brindle

Eye Color

Foal Color

Summary of the Genetic Control of Horse Color

Patterns of White

General Considerations

Patterns with Individual White Hairs: Grey and Roan

Patterns with Nonsymmetric Patches of White: White Mar....White

Patterns of White with Symmetric White Patches: The Leop

Leopard Complex: Definition and Classification

Leopard Complex: Genetic Control

Patterns of White Summary

Horse Color and Horse Breeding

Peculiarities of Hair Growth

Donkey Color

Patterns of White

Genetics of Donkey Color

Summary of Donkey Color

Hair Growth in Donkeys

Color Photographs

Color Names by Category

Loci, Alleles, and Effects

UsualGenotypes of Major Colors

Alleles Present in Representative Breeds in the USA

Expected Results of Crossing Various Colors

Unpublished Data Supporting Conclusions

Table of Contents provided by Publisher. All Rights Reserved.