Horse Genetic Testing for color and patterns
We are so often asked about color genetics and love to discuss this with horse lovers. We have enjoyed our own horse births when a foal is born that completely surprises us. We often find ourselves researching the color genetic books to figure out our miniature horse colors or patterns. Now that several genetic tests are available, much of the information that used to take us years to realize through breeding, can be determined in a few months after they are born through genetic testing. We are thankful that so many genetic tests exist today and look forward to even more becoming available in the coming years.
Every year new horse genetic tests become available. Rather than list which tests these labs do, it is best to refer to the laboratories website to obtain a list of their latest available tests. All these labs have the submission information that can be downloaded and the prices for the tests listed.
Suggested Labs:
- Animal Genetics, Inc.:
http://www.avianbiotech.com/Horse.htm
- University of California Davis, Veterinary Genetics Lab:
http://www.vgl.ucdavis.edu/service/horse/index.html
- The University of Kentucky:
http://www.ca.uky.edu/gluck/EPTRL.asp
Sabino Pinto Test
A DNA test for Sabino is now available at all three labs shown above. This test will be very helpful in establishing if a horse carries the sabino gene. While this test does not test for all the possible sabino genes, it is the first sabino test that has ever been available and tests for the Sabino (SB1) gene. All that is needed is a pulled hair sample sent to the lab.
We were fortunate to be included in the University of Kentucky sabino research in 2004 and submitted twelve samples to the research. Examples of horses that tested positive for the sabino gene can be seen on our website. This is a new exciting test for miniature horse owners that are interested in positively identifying another pinto pattern.
Horses that are homozygous for sabino (sb1) are completely white at birth, and could be confused as cremellos, though genetic testing would correctly identify them as sabinos. Sabinos can have dark or blue eyes. Lethal white foals are also completely white at birth, but die within hours or days. These lethal white foals can only occur when two frame (LWO) horses are bred together. Lethal foals can be avoided by testing the horses before they are bred to determine if they carry the lethal white gene.
Suggested Reference Books on Horse Genetics:
Most of these are readily available through local bookstores or online.
Beginners:
- Horse Color Explained; A Breeder's Perspective. By Jeanette Gower 1999
Lots of photographs that help explain this important topic. Highly recommended.
- Horse and Pony Coat Colours. By Carole Knowles-Pfeiffer 2000
Quick read, with many photos, and author's tips for identifying color.
- Miniature Horses; Their Care, Breeding and Coat Colors. By Barbara Naviaux 1999
Lots of valuable information for any owner of a miniature horse or anyone thinking of purchasing a miniature.
The book you must have if you own a miniature horse.
Advanced:
Equine Color Genetics, Second Edition. By D. Phillip Sponenberg 2003
Interesting Horse Color and Genetic Websites:
Champagne Horse Registry: http://www.ichregistry.com/colors.htm
Coat Colors: http://www.geocities.com/Baja/Outback/2936/
Cremello and Perlino Educational Association: http://www.doubledilute.com
Equine Color: http://www.equinecolor.com/color.html
Mustang Site: A wealth of information on horse colors. http://www.mustangs4us.com/colors_and_color_patterns.htm
Paints and Pintos: http://www.coloredhorses.com/PPnew.html
Sabino Horse Registry: http://www.sabinohorseregistry.com/
Frame Overos:
http://www.mustangs4us.com/Horse%20Colors/frame.htmSabino Overos:
http://www.mustangs4us.com/Horse%20Colors/sabino.htmSplashed White Overos:
http://www.mustangs4us.com/Horse%20Colors/splashed_white.htmHow to Tell The Overo Patterns Apart: http://www.mustangs4us.com/Horse%20Colors/how_to_tell_the_overos_apart.htm
Tobiano: http://www.mustangs4us.com/Horse%20Colors/tobiano.htm
Tovero: http://www.mustangs4us.com/Horse%20Colors/other_pintos.htm
Rabicano:
http://www.mustangs4us.com/Horse%20Colors/rabicano.htmWhite Horses: http://www.mustangs4us.com/Horse%20Colors/white.htm
Lethal White Overo Information:
UC Davis: http://www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/ceh/HR20-3lethal.html
American Paint Horse: http://www.apha.com/breed/lethalwhites03.html
Net Pets - Horse: http://www.netpets.com/horses/healthspa/lethal.html
Lethal White Syndrome- A slide show: http://astronaut.agoff.umn.edu/ansc3221_2000/lethalwh/sld001.htm
AAEP Proceedings Volume 47. 2001:http://www.ivis.org/proceedings/AAEP/2001/91010100385.pdf
Lethal Whites VS Double Dilutes: http://www.doubledilute.com/lethalwhite.html
OMIA Suggested Articles: http://omia.angis.org.au/retrieve.shtml?pid=1207