Sire Chestnut on dam Dun Cremello
In this article, we will explore the genetic possibilities of coat colors for the crossing between a stallion Chestnut and a mare Dun Cremello. Equine genetics is a universe of combinations where dominant and recessive alleles determine the final coat of each individual.
On one side, we have the stallion Chestnut. Genetically, it presents the base genotype e/e. Base coat with a reddish body, mane and tail, with no black pigment.
On the other side, the mare Dun Cremello contributes with its genetics based on e/e Cr/Cr D/n. The Dun gene acts on the base color, adding the characteristic dark dorsal stripe. In some cases it lightens the body tone and may also produce zebra-like leg markings. This coat is based on Cremello.
Quando combinamos esses códigos genéticos, criamos uma matriz de probabilidades. É importante lembrar que o resultado visual (fenótipo) muitas vezes esconde genes recessivos que podem pular uma geração.
The Genotypes Involved
For a horse to have the coat Chestnut. it carries specific gene combinations. The possible genotypes for the sire include variants such as: e/e A/A, e/e A/a, e/e a/a.
As for the dam, being Dun Cremello, may present in its DNA the alleles: e/e A/A Cr/Cr D/n, e/e A/A Cr/Cr D/D, e/e A/a Cr/Cr D/n, e/e A/a Cr/Cr D/D, e/e a/a Cr/Cr D/n, e/e a/a Cr/Cr D/D.
Understanding the Alleles
To understand the result of this crossing, note the gene sets at play:
- e/e (Red Factor - Homozygous Recessive): Determines the inability to produce black pigment, resulting in an exclusively red base coat (Chestnut).
- A/ (Agouti - Dominant): The Agouti gene controls black distribution. The A allele restricts black pigment to the points (mane, tail, legs).
- a/a (Non-Agouti - Recessive): Allows black pigment to spread uniformly across the body. Essential for Solid Black (if E/).
- Cr/Cr (Double Cream): Maximum dilution. Pink skin, blue eyes (e.g. Cremello, Perlino).
- D/ (Dun - Primitive Gene): Dilutes body color and adds dorsal stripe and leg barring.
Calculated Probabilities
Being the sire Chestnut with genotype (e/e A/A), it transmits the (e) allele to 100% of offspring, allowing only red pigment expression (phaeomelanin) and transmits the (A) allele to 100% of offspring, restricting black pigment to the extremities.
Being the sire Chestnut with genotype (e/e A/a), it transmits the (e) allele to 100% of offspring, allowing only red pigment expression (phaeomelanin) and transmits the (A) allele (restriction) to 50% and the (a) allele (no restriction) to the other 50%.
Being the sire Chestnut with genotype (e/e a/a), it transmits the (e) allele to 100% of offspring, allowing only red pigment expression (phaeomelanin) and transmits the (a) allele to 100% of offspring, allowing black to spread in homozygosis (if Extension is present).
Being the dam Dun Cremello with genotype (e/e A/A Cr/Cr D/n), it transmits the (e) allele to 100% of offspring, allowing only red pigment expression (phaeomelanin) and transmits the (A) allele to 100% of offspring, restricting black pigment to the extremities and always transmits the Cream dilution allele (Cr) and has a 50% chance of transmitting the primitive Dun allele (D).
Being the dam Dun Cremello with genotype (e/e A/A Cr/Cr D/D), it transmits the (e) allele to 100% of offspring, allowing only red pigment expression (phaeomelanin) and transmits the (A) allele to 100% of offspring, restricting black pigment to the extremities and always transmits the Cream dilution allele (Cr) and always transmits the primitive Dun allele (D).
Being the dam Dun Cremello with genotype (e/e A/a Cr/Cr D/n), it transmits the (e) allele to 100% of offspring, allowing only red pigment expression (phaeomelanin) and transmits the (A) allele (restriction) to 50% and the (a) allele (no restriction) to the other 50% and always transmits the Cream dilution allele (Cr) and has a 50% chance of transmitting the primitive Dun allele (D).
Being the dam Dun Cremello with genotype (e/e A/a Cr/Cr D/D), it transmits the (e) allele to 100% of offspring, allowing only red pigment expression (phaeomelanin) and transmits the (A) allele (restriction) to 50% and the (a) allele (no restriction) to the other 50% and always transmits the Cream dilution allele (Cr) and always transmits the primitive Dun allele (D).
Based on a standard scenario, the statistical chances for foals from this crossing are:
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