The (To) gene acts on the base coat forming large, well-defined white patches across the body and legs. Many cases also inherit blue eyes. This coat is based on Dark Brown.
Typical Genetic Formula
E/_ A/_ To/n
Possible Genotype Variations
E/e A/a To/n
E/e A/a To/To
E/e A/A To/n
E/e A/A To/To
E/E A/a To/n
E/E A/a To/To
E/E A/A To/n
E/E A/A To/To
The Genetic Basis
For a horse to be born Paint Dark Brown, it must receive the following combination from its parents:
- Its ability to express or produce black pigment indicates it received the dominant E allele from at least one parent.
- The Tobiano patches that characterize the Paint Horse were inherited from at least one parent.
Understanding the Alleles
The horse Paint Dark Brown has a specific combination of alleles. Below, we explain each genetic component that forms this coat:
- A/ (Agouti): The Agouti gene, when active (with E present), restricts black pigment to the extremities. Carried with no visual effect in e/e animals.
- To/ (Tobiano): Vertical white patches crossing the back.
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