Sire Dun Bay on dam Smoky Cream
In this article, we will explore the genetic possibilities of coat colors for the crossing between a stallion Dun Bay and a mare Smoky Cream. 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 Dun Bay. Genetically, it presents the base genotype E/_ A/_ 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 Bay.
On the other side, the mare Smoky Cream contributes with its genetics based on E/_ a/a Cr/Cr. Very pale coat with yellowish highlights, resulting from double dilution of the cream gene over the black base.
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 Dun Bay. it carries specific gene combinations. The possible genotypes for the sire include variants such as: E/e A/a D/n, E/e A/a D/D, E/e A/A D/n, E/e A/A D/D, E/E A/a D/n, E/E A/a D/D, E/E A/A D/n, E/E A/A D/D.
As for the dam, being Smoky Cream, may present in its DNA the alleles: E/e a/a Cr/Cr, E/E a/a Cr/Cr.
Understanding the Alleles
To understand the result of this crossing, note the gene sets at play:
- E/ (Extension - Dominant): The Extension gene controls eumelanin (black) production. At least one E allele allows the horse to have black hairs.
- 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 Dun Bay with genotype (E/e A/a D/n), it transmits the (E) allele (black factor) to 50% and the (e) allele (red factor) to the other 50% and transmits the (A) allele (restriction) to 50% and the (a) allele (no restriction) to the other 50% and has a 50% chance of transmitting the primitive Dun allele (D).
Being the sire Dun Bay with genotype (E/e A/a D/D), it transmits the (E) allele (black factor) to 50% and the (e) allele (red factor) to the other 50% and transmits the (A) allele (restriction) to 50% and the (a) allele (no restriction) to the other 50% and always transmits the primitive Dun allele (D).
Being the sire Dun Bay with genotype (E/e A/A D/n), it transmits the (E) allele (black factor) to 50% and the (e) allele (red factor) to the other 50% and transmits the (A) allele to 100% of offspring, restricting black pigment to the extremities and has a 50% chance of transmitting the primitive Dun allele (D).
Being the sire Dun Bay with genotype (E/e A/A D/D), it transmits the (E) allele (black factor) to 50% and the (e) allele (red factor) to the other 50% and transmits the (A) allele to 100% of offspring, restricting black pigment to the extremities and always transmits the primitive Dun allele (D).
Being the dam Smoky Cream with genotype (E/e a/a Cr/Cr), it transmits the (E) allele (black factor) to 50% and the (e) allele (red factor) to the other 50% and transmits the (a) allele to 100% of offspring, allowing black to spread in homozygosis (if Extension is present) and always transmits the Cream dilution allele (Cr).
Being the dam Smoky Cream with genotype (E/E a/a Cr/Cr), it transmits the (E) allele to 100% of offspring, enabling black pigment production (eumelanin) and transmits the (a) allele to 100% of offspring, allowing black to spread in homozygosis (if Extension is present) and always transmits the Cream dilution allele (Cr).
Based on a standard scenario, the statistical chances for foals from this crossing are:
Dun BuckskinOpen Coat ➜ 30,4%
BuckskinOpen Coat ➜ 30,4%
Dun Smoky BlackOpen Coat ➜ 13,0%
Smoky BlackOpen Coat ➜ 13,0%
Dun PalominoOpen Coat ➜ 6,6%
PalominoOpen Coat ➜ 6,6%
Want absolute precision?
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