What genes create a perlino horse?

A perlino horse is a unique and striking color variant that results from specific genetic combinations. Understanding these genes can help breeders and enthusiasts appreciate the beauty and genetics behind this coat color.

What Genes Create a Perlino Horse?

A perlino horse is the product of a double dilution of the cream gene on a bay base coat. This genetic combination results in a pale cream or off-white coat with slightly darker points, such as the mane, tail, and lower legs. The key genes involved in creating this color are:

• Extension (E) gene: Determines whether the horse will have black or red pigment.
• Agouti (A) gene: Controls the distribution of black pigment, resulting in a bay or black coat.
• Cream (C) gene: A dilution gene that lightens the coat color.

How Does the Cream Gene Work?

The cream gene is responsible for diluting the horse’s coat color. When a horse has one copy of the cream gene (heterozygous), it results in a palomino or buckskin. However, when a horse has two copies of the cream gene (homozygous), it leads to a double dilution, producing a perlino or cremello.

• Single Cream Gene (Ccr): Lightens red pigment to gold in palominos and lightens bay to buckskin.
• Double Cream Gene (CcrCcr): Further dilutes the coat to produce perlino or cremello horses.

What is the Genetic Makeup of a Perlino Horse?

A perlino horse typically has the following genetic makeup:

• EE or Ee: The presence of the extension gene, allowing for black pigment.
• AA or Aa: The agouti gene, which restricts black pigment to points, creating a bay base.
• CcrCcr: Double cream gene, resulting in the perlino dilution.

How to Identify a Perlino Horse?

Perlino horses are often confused with cremellos due to their similar light coat colors. However, there are distinct features that set them apart:

• Coat Color: Perlino horses have a pale cream coat with slightly darker points.
• Eye Color: They typically have blue eyes.
• Skin Color: Pink skin under their coat, similar to cremellos.

Example of Perlino Horse Breeding

To breed a perlino horse, you need a bay horse carrying the cream gene. Here’s a practical example:

• Parent 1: Bay horse with one cream gene (Ee Aa Ccr).
• Parent 2: Bay horse with one cream gene (Ee Aa Ccr).

The offspring has a 25% chance of being perlino (EE or Ee, AA or Aa, CcrCcr).

People Also Ask

What is the Difference Between Perlino and Cremello Horses?

Perlino horses have a bay base coat diluted by two cream genes, resulting in a cream coat with darker points. Cremello horses have a chestnut base coat with two cream genes, leading to a uniform cream color without darker points.

Can a Perlino Horse Have Brown Eyes?

No, perlino horses typically have blue eyes due to the double cream gene, which affects pigmentation in the eyes as well as the coat.

Are Perlino Horses Rare?

While not as common as some other coat colors, perlino horses are not extremely rare. They are more frequently found in breeds where the cream gene is prevalent, such as the American Quarter Horse and the Morgan.

How Can I Test for the Cream Gene?

Genetic testing can determine if a horse carries the cream gene. This test identifies whether a horse is homozygous (CcrCcr) or heterozygous (Ccr) for the cream gene, helping breeders make informed decisions.

What are the Health Concerns for Perlino Horses?

Perlino horses do not have specific health concerns related to their color. However, their light skin can be more susceptible to sunburn, so providing shade and using sunscreen can help protect them.

Conclusion

Understanding the genetics of perlino horses provides valuable insights for breeders and horse enthusiasts. The combination of the extension, agouti, and cream genes creates this beautiful and unique coat color. Whether you are breeding for specific traits or simply appreciate their beauty, knowing these genetic factors can enhance your experience with these extraordinary horses. For more on horse genetics or breeding tips, explore related topics on coat color genetics and horse care.