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Course Description:
This course provides the information and tools needed to make statistical predictions of the coat colors of foals based on genetic makeup of the sire and dam. Students are instructed in the use of the Punnett Square to predict gene combinations. Tobiano and Overo genes are examined to determine range of color patterns.
Course Competencies:
Understand how genes perform, and use the Punnett Square to make statistical predictions of gene combinations.
- Identify bays, blacks and chestnuts, and explain how to test for specific genes. Understand how to breed for color.
- Demonstrate how incomplete dominance affects color combinations.
- Analyze the differences between duns and champagnes and demonstrate the role primitive markings play in identification.
- Identify the genetic differences between roans, grays and white horses.
- Demonstrate methods of testing for the homozygous Tobiano gene.
- Analyze the combining of Paint genes, and make comparisons between Overos and Tobianos.
- Trace the history of the Appaloosa horse and explain and identify the evolvement of various coat color characteristics.
Course Outline
I. GENES AND CHROMOSOMES; PREDICTING COMBINATIONS
A. How genes perform
B. Using the Punnett Square to make predictions
II. BLACK, BAYS AND CHESTNUTS
- How to breed for color
- Genetic test for red gene
- What bay foals look like
III. PALOMINOS, CREMELLOS, BUCKSKINS AND PERLINOS
- Incomplete dominance
- Cremello gene on black
IV. DUNS AND CHAMPAGNES
- Primitive markings
- The dun gene on bay
V. SPRINKLING ON THE WHITE
A. The roan horse
B. The gray horse
C. The white horse
VI. SPLASHING ON THE WHITE
- The homozygous Tobiano
- Testing for Tobiano gene
VII. THE OVERO GENE
- Comparisons between Overo and Tobiano
- Combining Paint genes
- Lethal whites
VIII. THE APPALOOSA HORSE
- Spotted horses in China 500 BC
- Nez Perce Indians choose selective breeding
- Four identifiable characteristics