Difference between revisions of "Advanced Color Genetics"

From Bun Club Wiki
Jump to navigationJump to search
 
(2 intermediate revisions by the same user not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
=More Advanced Color Genetics:=
= More Advanced Color Genetics =


== Broken Locus ==
* '''En – Broken''' [[File:Geneiticx3_Brokens.jpg|thumb|Broken]] 


==BROKEN LOCI==
The Broken pattern is dominant over solid. Rabbits homozygous for the Broken gene are called '''Charlies''' and should only be carefully bred. Homozygous Broken carries a ~70% probability of producing rabbits with megacolon, a digestive disorder.


*En-broken [[File:Geneiticx3 Brokens.jpg|thumb|Broken]]
== Vienna ==
* '''V – Vienna''' [[File:Geneiticx3_Vienna.jpg|thumb|Vienna]]


The broken Pattern is dominate to solid. Rabbits with two Broken Geans are called Charlies and should be only very carefully bred.  The Broken gene when homozygous (doubled up) carries a 70% probability of producing a Rabbit with megacolon, a digestive tract disorder.
Vienna is a co-dominant gene. Two copies (vv) produce '''Blue-Eyed White (BEW)''' rabbits. Rabbits with one copy (Vv) are carriers, sometimes showing random white markings and blue eye coloration in one, part, or both eyes. BEW is only expressed in homozygous recessive rabbits (vv).


==Vienna==
== Wideband ==
*V-Vienna [[File:Geneiticx3 Vienna.jpg|thumb|Vienna]]
* '''W – Wideband'''  


Vienna is most frequently  known for Blue eye white as  two copies of "v" will produce  a solid white rabbit with blue eyes. Vienna is a co-dominate gene, and a "Vv" rabbit is a Vienna carrier, in this case some random white markings can bleed through including the brilliant blue eye color in one , part of or both eyes. Vienna Blue Eye White is Homozygous recessive. 2 copies "vv" are required to make a BEW
Wideband is a trait modifier affecting Agouti-based rabbits. It extends the band coverage, especially in Chestnut, Red, and Chinchilla rabbits: 


==Wideband==
* Chestnut → larger area of pheomelanin, less white, more red/yellow on the belly 
*W-Wideband
* Chinchilla → more white on the coat and belly 
* Red → solid red belly extending from back 


Wide band  is a trait modifier gene that will effect Agouti based rabbits. the wide band gene extends the band coverage, primarily on Chestnuts, Reds, and  Chinchillas.  a chestnut will have a larger area of Pheomelanin showing on the coat and less white, and more red/yellow on it's belly(Coppers), a Chinchilla will have more white on it's coat and more white on it's belly, and a red will have a more solid red belly extended from it's back. Wide band high rufus reds and chestnuts  are the most sought after to improve color in a new Zealand red program.
Wideband high-rufus Reds and Chestnuts are desirable in New Zealand Red programs.


==Dutch==
* Normal bandwidth: dominant "W" 
*Du-Dutch
* Wideband: homozygous recessive "ww"


== Dutch ==
* '''Du''' – regular color 
* '''dud''' – Dutch dark 
* '''duw''' – Dutch white 


[Reference PDF](https://www.adhrc.com/Forms/Color%20Genetics%20of%20the%20Dwarf%20Hotot.pdf)


https://www.adhrc.com/Forms/Color%20Genetics%20of%20the%20Dwarf%20Hotot.pdf
== Silver ==
* '''Si – Silver''' 


==Silver==
The Silver gene produces hairs that are fully white from root to tip, evenly intermixed with body-color hairs.
*Si-Silver
Silver gene is indicated by  full solid white hairs from root to tip evenly inter mixed with the body color hairs .


== Lutino ==
[[File:Lutino.jpg|200px|thumb|left|Lutino Rabbit]] 


==Lutino==
The Lutino coloration is a '''p mutation''' affecting an integral membrane protein involved in pigmentation. This mutation reduces eumelanin production in both the eyes and coat, creating pink eyes and lighter coat colors. 


[[File:Lutino.jpg|200px|thumb|left|alt text]]
* Recessive: P = normal, p = mutation. Homozygous pp expresses pink eyes and coat color change. 
* Genotypes: 
  * Basic orange Lutino: A_B_C_D_eepp 
  * Cream Lutino (“Shadow”): A_B_C_D_E_pp 


"The lutino coloration is called a "p mutation" because of an integral membrane p protein. The p-protein appears to be a transporter, however for exactly what remains unknown. Because high levels of tyrosine induce pigmentation in the eye’s melanocytes it would suggest this p protein plays a role in tyrosine transport.
The Lutino gene functions similarly to the non-extension gene but with pink eyes and less effect on pheomelanin. It has been studied extensively in mice (Castle 1909) and rabbits (SoftPawsRabbits, 1985–2014).
It does not only affect the eye but coat color as well. It is recessive (so P is normal and p is the mutation) and a rabbit that is pp will have the pink eyes and also the fur color changes. In a sense, this mutation causes an effect similar to the non-extension gene, just to a less degree and with the addition of the pink eyes. This is due to the decreased production of eumelanin with yet little effect on pheomelanin.
While there could be different variants, the basic orange colored lutinos are genetically A_B_C_D_eepp. Cream colored lutinos (called “Shadow”) and are genetically A_B_C_D_E_pp. The p mutation can create other colors with different base genotypes. This is not a "new" mutation. It is the one of the more common forms of albinism. The official name is type II oculocutaneous albinism. It is a Tyrosinase positive form. In mice, the protein product of this p locus’ first intraluminal loop was studied back in 1994.
In mice, William Castle wrote about it in 1909.
So as one can see, this has been a long studied mutation. However, we still have a lot to learn about exactly what this transport protein does and the exact mechanism by which it works." -Amy's Rabbit Ranch


  1. Rosemblat, Susana. et al. Identification of a melanosomal membrane protein encoded by the pink-eyed dilution (type II oculocutaneous albinism) gene. PNAS. December 1994; 91: 12071-12075.
References:  
2. Russell, ES.Genetics 34: 146 March 1949
1. Rosemblat et al., 1994, PNAS 91:12071–12075 
3. Castle, WE. The Peculiar Inheritance of Pink Eyes Among Colored Mice.Science. 3 September 1909; 30(766): 313-314.
2. Russell, Genetics 34:146, 1949
3. Castle, Science 30(766):313–314, 1909 
[SoftPawsRabbits Lutino Gene](https://softpawsrabbits.weebly.com/the-lutino-gene.html)


""The Lutino gene is a gene that is more commonly found in mice, cavies and birds.  The Lutino has been around for a few years, dating back to 1985 where a Danish breeder came across the color in a litter of Harlequin Netherland Dwarfs. Thay have since popped up in parts of Scandinavia into Holland, the UK and the US, starting with Bob Whitman exporting some over around 2005. Unfortunately, the color disappeared from the US until 2014 when Allen Messick and Randy Shumaker imported several Lutino Netherland Dwarfs from the UK. in an effort to develop the variety in American Netherland Dwarfs,
== Modifiers ==
Modifiers are not genes themselves but affect the extent of coverage or intensity of rabbit coat colors.


The Lutino gene acts as a color stripping gene, similar to the color stripping nature of the Chinchilla gene. The Chin gene removes the red, yellow and beige pigments from the hair shaft. Similarly, the Lutino gene does the same, but instead of removing the red, yellow and beige, it removes the black pigments instead. So a chestnut or castor will be stripped of the black tipping, leaving behind a rich, fiery red. A self black will turn a dove beige, etc. In addition, the black pigment of the eyes will also be stripped, leaving behind a pink eye of various hues, depending on the variety. ""
=== Intensity of Red ===
https://softpawsrabbits.weebly.com/the-lutino-gene.html
[[File:Geneiticx3_intensity.jpg|thumb|Intensity]] 


=Modifiers=
* Intensity of red (“Rufus”) controls pheomelanin saturation. 
* Low intensity → almost dirty white 
* High intensity → deep mahogany/maroon 
* Rufus also affects pigment saturation in other colors (e.g., rich black vs. dull charcoal)


Modifiers are not gene on their own but the extent of coverage that rabbit is presenting.
=== Extent of Broken Pattern ===
[[File:Geneiticx3-29.jpg|thumb|Extent of Coverage]] 


==Intensity of Red==
* Charlie 
* Broken 
* Blanket 
* Booted 


[[File:Geneiticx3 intensity.jpg|thumb|Intesity]]
=== Co-dominant, Cryptic, and Ghost Presentations ===
The intensity of Red  is a gene modifier that controls how saturated the Pheomelanin is in a rabbits coat.  We refer to this as Rufus. A rabbit with very little intensity can look almost like a dirty white, while a Rabbit with extremely high Rufus can present as a deep mahogany maroon color. Rufus can also play a role in the quality of other coat colors becuse it turns up the saturation on pigments in the hair follicle. example: a truly rich inky black rabbit has a high Rufus, while a low Rufus Rabbit will appear a duller more charcoal black.
Some genes present partially dominant traits, show stronger expression when homozygous, or produce “phantom” colors.


==Extent of Broken Pattern==
==== ej – Harlequin ====
[[File:Harliquenized_Opal-01-1.jpeg|200px|thumb|Harlequin Opal]] 
[[File:HarlenquinizedChinchilla.jpg|200px|thumb|Harlequin Chinchilla]] 


[[file:Geneiticx3-29.jpg|thumb|Extent of coverage]]
* Harlequin (ej) can appear in:
*"Charlie "
  * Self: aa, Eej 
*Broken
  * Chinchilla: A, chd, Eej 
*Blanket
  * Chestnut: A, Eej 
*Booted
* Ej paired with Steel (Es) can produce “phantom black” or super steel: subtle barring visible only in sunlight or on the belly.


=co-dominate, cryptic and ghost presentations of colors:=
==== chl – Chinchilla Light / Shaded ====
* chlchl → Seal (intense shaded pattern) 
* chdchl → Intermediate shaded pattern


Genes that are partially dominate even when recessive and Genes that present more intense when doubled up ie produce "phantom" colors , colors that present as something they aren't.
==== Es – Steel ====
* Genotypes: EsEs, Ese, Esej 
* Can present as solid black in some cases 


==*ej- Harlequin==
==== Ed – Dominant Black ====
[[File:Harliquenized_Opal-01-1.jpeg|200px|thumb|right|Harliquinized Opal]]
* Extends eumelanin fully on Agouti rabbits (ABCDEd) → appears self black 
[[File:HarlenquinizedChinchilla.jpg|200px|thumb|right|Harliquinized Chinchilla]]
* Can produce cryptic self rabbits  
Harlequin *ej* can bleed through  on self "aa, Eej " Chinchilla "A, chd, Eej" Chestnut " A, Eej " .
* Testing: breed suspected Ed rabbits with self-colored rabbits or red rabbits to confirm genotype
"ej" paired with Steel (Es) can produce a phantom Black rabbit or super steel. Where there may only be a hint of a barred pattering in the tips of the hairs, looking closely you may see some intersperses gold or while tips or barring visible around the belly or in direct sunlight, but at a glance the rabbit may appear to be solid black.


 
References:  
 
* [Oregon State Extension: Rabbit Coat Genetics Gallery](https://extension.oregonstate.edu/gallery/rabbit-coat-color-genetics-gallery) 
 
* [Understanding Genetics Behind Rabbit Coat Colors Part 2](https://extension.oregonstate.edu/animals-livestock/poultry-rabbits/understanding-genetics-behind-rabbit-coat-colors-part-2-coat) 
 
* [The Nature Trail: Color E Extension Series](https://thenaturetrail.com/rabbit-genetics/color-e-extension-series-steel-tricolor-locus/) 
 
* [Frontiers in Genetics, 2019](https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fgene.2019.00875/full) 
 
* [MDPI: Allele ED & ES](https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/11/1/373/htm)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
.
 
==*chl- Chinchilla Light/Shaded==
chlchl = seal a more intense shaded pattern
chdchl =
 
==*ES- Steel==
 
"EsEs" "Ese" & "Esej" can present as Black
 
 
ABCDEsEs
ABCDEse
ABCDEsej
 
Can all present as soild black .
 
==*Ed -Dominate Black==
Black can  present on Agouti based rabbits  due to other genes effects on coat pattern ie :ABCDEd , Ed dominate black extends the Eumelanin band on an agouti rabbit fully from root to tip, masking any pattern banding and presenting as a self black rabbit. This can be  tricky to figure out. Breed your suspected Ed rabbit to a few self rabbits  and if you produce a chestnut or agouti pattern one of them is a Cryptic Self, with Ed. is can also be tested with a red gene but will be a little more difficult  swapping back and forth to  figure out the genotype via color testing. .
 
https://extension.oregonstate.edu/gallery/rabbit-coat-color-genetics-gallery
 
https://extension.oregonstate.edu/animals-livestock/poultry-rabbits/understanding-genetics-behind-rabbit-coat-colors-part-2-coat
 
https://thenaturetrail.com/rabbit-genetics/color-e-extension-series-steel-tricolor-locus/
 
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fgene.2019.00875/full
 
"""Classical genetic studies carried out in rabbits have suggested that the Extension series in this species is determined by five alleles [30,31,37,38,39,40]. Allele ED determines the dominant black coat color and is caused by one in-frame deletion of 6 bp (c.280_285del6 or D6 allele), which eliminates two amino acids in the second transmembrane domain [41]. The black color of the spots of the Checkered Giant breed is due to this allele. Allele ES (steel) is considered a weaker version of ED, even if it could be probably determined by the same mutation causing ED, as another MC1R variant associated to this allele has not been described so far"""
 
 
https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/11/1/373/htm
 
==*Vm - Vienna==

Latest revision as of 18:38, 16 August 2025

More Advanced Color Genetics[edit | edit source]

Broken Locus[edit | edit source]

  • En – Broken
    Broken

The Broken pattern is dominant over solid. Rabbits homozygous for the Broken gene are called Charlies and should only be carefully bred. Homozygous Broken carries a ~70% probability of producing rabbits with megacolon, a digestive disorder.

Vienna[edit | edit source]

  • V – Vienna
    Vienna

Vienna is a co-dominant gene. Two copies (vv) produce Blue-Eyed White (BEW) rabbits. Rabbits with one copy (Vv) are carriers, sometimes showing random white markings and blue eye coloration in one, part, or both eyes. BEW is only expressed in homozygous recessive rabbits (vv).

Wideband[edit | edit source]

  • W – Wideband

Wideband is a trait modifier affecting Agouti-based rabbits. It extends the band coverage, especially in Chestnut, Red, and Chinchilla rabbits:

  • Chestnut → larger area of pheomelanin, less white, more red/yellow on the belly
  • Chinchilla → more white on the coat and belly
  • Red → solid red belly extending from back

Wideband high-rufus Reds and Chestnuts are desirable in New Zealand Red programs.

  • Normal bandwidth: dominant "W"
  • Wideband: homozygous recessive "ww"

Dutch[edit | edit source]

  • Du – regular color
  • dud – Dutch dark
  • duw – Dutch white

[Reference PDF](https://www.adhrc.com/Forms/Color%20Genetics%20of%20the%20Dwarf%20Hotot.pdf)

Silver[edit | edit source]

  • Si – Silver

The Silver gene produces hairs that are fully white from root to tip, evenly intermixed with body-color hairs.

Lutino[edit | edit source]

Lutino Rabbit

The Lutino coloration is a p mutation affecting an integral membrane protein involved in pigmentation. This mutation reduces eumelanin production in both the eyes and coat, creating pink eyes and lighter coat colors.

  • Recessive: P = normal, p = mutation. Homozygous pp expresses pink eyes and coat color change.
  • Genotypes:
 * Basic orange Lutino: A_B_C_D_eepp  
 * Cream Lutino (“Shadow”): A_B_C_D_E_pp

The Lutino gene functions similarly to the non-extension gene but with pink eyes and less effect on pheomelanin. It has been studied extensively in mice (Castle 1909) and rabbits (SoftPawsRabbits, 1985–2014).

References: 1. Rosemblat et al., 1994, PNAS 91:12071–12075 2. Russell, Genetics 34:146, 1949 3. Castle, Science 30(766):313–314, 1909 [SoftPawsRabbits Lutino Gene](https://softpawsrabbits.weebly.com/the-lutino-gene.html)

Modifiers[edit | edit source]

Modifiers are not genes themselves but affect the extent of coverage or intensity of rabbit coat colors.

Intensity of Red[edit | edit source]

Intensity
  • Intensity of red (“Rufus”) controls pheomelanin saturation.
  • Low intensity → almost dirty white
  • High intensity → deep mahogany/maroon
  • Rufus also affects pigment saturation in other colors (e.g., rich black vs. dull charcoal)

Extent of Broken Pattern[edit | edit source]

Extent of Coverage
  • Charlie
  • Broken
  • Blanket
  • Booted

Co-dominant, Cryptic, and Ghost Presentations[edit | edit source]

Some genes present partially dominant traits, show stronger expression when homozygous, or produce “phantom” colors.

ej – Harlequin[edit | edit source]

Harlequin Opal
Harlequin Chinchilla
  • Harlequin (ej) can appear in:
 * Self: aa, Eej  
 * Chinchilla: A, chd, Eej  
 * Chestnut: A, Eej
  • Ej paired with Steel (Es) can produce “phantom black” or super steel: subtle barring visible only in sunlight or on the belly.

chl – Chinchilla Light / Shaded[edit | edit source]

  • chlchl → Seal (intense shaded pattern)
  • chdchl → Intermediate shaded pattern

Es – Steel[edit | edit source]

  • Genotypes: EsEs, Ese, Esej
  • Can present as solid black in some cases

Ed – Dominant Black[edit | edit source]

  • Extends eumelanin fully on Agouti rabbits (ABCDEd) → appears self black
  • Can produce cryptic self rabbits
  • Testing: breed suspected Ed rabbits with self-colored rabbits or red rabbits to confirm genotype

References:

Retrieved from "https://mmcrabbits.com/BCWiki/index.php?title=Advanced_Color_Genetics&oldid=46589"