Equine Color Genetics

Equine Color Genetics, Fourth Edition presents a detailed examination of the color variation in horses and donkeys and the genetic mechanisms that produce color variations. Offering information on how to tailor breeding programs to maximize desired color outcomes, the text bridges the gap between the scientific and lay communities without ignoring the intricate and complex details involved in horse and donkey color genetics. The Fourth Edition has been extensively updated and revised, providing new information on advances in knowledge of the genetic loci and molecular mechanisms involved and excellent visual aids to present difficult concepts. 

Many of the color photographs have been updated to give a greater depiction of the coat color variation that exists in horses and donkeys, and a new glossary of terms aids in the understanding of the complexity of the molecular genetics.  Equine Color Genetics is an essential reference for anyone wanting to understand coat color and the genetic basis for color variation in horses and donkeys. 

Key features 

Thoroughly covers the basic colors in horses, including bay, chestnut, black, and brown Details the genetic basis of the colors built from the basic coat color, including dilutions and white patterning Provides an explanation of genetic mechanisms that determine coat color Presents a thorough revision and update, including new advances in molecular genetics, biochemistry, molecular mechanisms, genetic loci, coat colors before domestication, and more Offers a new introduction describing the principles of genetics and genomics research to help outline how knowledge is discovered and to assist the reader in understanding concepts covered in the book

Preface to the fourth edition

Chapter 1 Introduction

Basic Horse Color Identification

Basic Principles of Genetics, Genomics, and Molecular Biology

Pigment Cell Function and Genetic Control

Chapter 2 Dark Horse Colors: Bay, Chestnut, Black, and Brown

Bay, Chestnut, and Black: Definition and Classification

Bay, Chestnut, and Black: Genetic Control

Two Subtypes of Bay: Wild Bay and Bay

Seal Brown

Dominant Black

Chapter 3 Modifications Affecting Most Colors

Shade: Definition and Classification

Shade: Genetic Control

Sooty: Definition and Classification

Sooty: Genetic Control

Mealy: Definition and Classification        

Mealy: Genetic Control

Mane and Tail Color on Chestnut and Sorrel: Definition and Classification

Mane and Tail Color on Chestnut and Sorrel: Genetic Control

Bend Or Spots

Dapples

Brindle

Chimeras

Eye Color

Foal Color

Chapter 4 Dilutions of the Basic Dark Colors

Linebacked Dun: Definition and Classification

Linebacked Dun: Genetic Control

Cream–Related and Pearl Colors: Definition and Classification

Cream–Related and Pearl Colors: Genetic Control

Champagne: Definition and Classification

Champagne: Genetic Control

Silver Dapple: Definition and Classification

Silver Dapple: Genetic Control

Mushroom: Definition, Classification, and Genetic Control

Lavender

Other Dilutions

Compound Dilute Colors

Chapter 5 Overview of the Genetic Control of Horse Color

Chapter 6 Patterns with Individually Distributed White Hairs

General Considerations

Patterns of White with Individually Distributed White Hairs: Grey and Roan

Grey: Definition and Classification

Grey: Genetic Control

Classic Roan: Definition and Classification

Classic Roan: Genetic Control

Frosty

White Ticking

Patterns of White Striping

Roaned

Other Roan Patterns

White Lacing

Birdcatcher Spots

Chapter 7 Nonsymmetrical Patches of White: White Marks, Paints, and Pintos

Face and Leg Markings: Definition and Classification

Face and Leg Markings: Genetic Control

Nonsymmetrical White Body Patches: Paint or Pinto Patterns

Tobiano: Definition and Classification

Tobiano: Genetic Control

Calico Tobiano

Overo

Frame: Definiton and Classification

Frame: Genetic Control

Sabino and White: Definition and Classification

Sabino and White: Genetic Control

Splashed White: Definition and Classification

Splashed White: Genetic Control

Manchado

Overo Crop Out Horses

Combination Paint Patterns

Paint Summary

Chapter 8 Patterns with Symmetrical White Patches: The Leopard Complex
R. R. Bellone, S. Archer, and D. P. Sponenberg

Leopard Complex: Definition and Classification

Leopard Complex: Genetic Control

The leopard complex allele

Modifiers affecting extent of white pattern at birth

Pattern 1: a major modifier

Other modifying influences on white pattern

Modifiers affecting leopard spots

Modifiers affecting varnish roan

General observations on leopard complex pattern expression

Chapter 9 Overview of Patterns Adding White

Chapter 10 Horse Color and Horse Breeding

Chapter 11 Peculiarities of Hair Growth

Chapter 12 Donkey Color

Colors of Donkeys

Patterns of White

Genetics of Donkey Color and Patterns

Summary of Donkey Color and Patterns

Hair Growth in Donkeys

Chapter 13 Summary Tables

Chapter 14 Bibliography

D. Phillip Sponenberg, DVM, PhD, is Professor of Pathology and Genetics in the Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology at the Virginia–Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine in Blacksburg, Virginia, USA.

Rebecca Bellone, PhD, is Associate Adjunct Professor in the Veterinary Genetics Laboratory and Department of Population Health and Reproduction at the University of California–Davis in Davis, California, USA.

Sheila Archer is an artist and independent equine genetics researcher who coordinates the Appaloosa Project in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, Canada.