Sire Dun Chestnut on dam Palomino
In this article, we will explore the genetic possibilities of coat colors for the crossing between a stallion Dun Chestnut and a mare Palomino. 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 Chestnut. Genetically, it presents the base genotype e/e 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 Chestnut.
On the other side, the mare Palomino contributes with its genetics based on e/e Cr/n. Golden coat with a light mane and tail, resulting from a single cream gene dilution over the chestnut 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 Chestnut. 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.
As for the dam, being Palomino, may present in its DNA the alleles: e/e A/A Cr/n, e/e A/a Cr/n, e/e a/a Cr/n.
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/n (Heterozygous Cream): One copy of the dilution allele. Lightens red pigment to gold (e.g. Palomino, Buckskin).
- D/ (Dun - Primitive Gene): Dilutes body color and adds dorsal stripe and leg barring.
Calculated Probabilities
Being the sire Dun Chestnut with genotype (e/e A/A 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 has a 50% chance of transmitting the primitive Dun allele (D).
Being the sire Dun Chestnut with genotype (e/e A/A 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 primitive Dun allele (D).
Being the sire Dun Chestnut with genotype (e/e A/a 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 has a 50% chance of transmitting the primitive Dun allele (D).
Being the sire Dun Chestnut with genotype (e/e A/a 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 primitive Dun allele (D).
Being the dam Palomino with genotype (e/e A/A Cr/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 has a 50% chance of transmitting the Cream dilution allele (Cr).
Being the dam Palomino with genotype (e/e A/a Cr/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 has a 50% chance of transmitting the Cream dilution allele (Cr).
Being the dam Palomino with genotype (e/e a/a Cr/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, allowing black to spread in homozygosis (if Extension is present) and has a 50% chance of transmitting the Cream dilution allele (Cr).
Based on a standard scenario, the statistical chances for foals from this crossing are:
Dun PalominoOpen Coat ➜ 25,0%
PalominoOpen Coat ➜ 25,0%
Dun ChestnutOpen Coat ➜ 25,0%
ChestnutOpen Coat ➜ 25,0%
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