General

White Parks and Galloway are ancient breeds of cattle found primarily in Great Britain. Within these breeds there are four different white spotting phenotypes. These phenotypes are solid, well-marked, strongly marked, and mismarked (white or almost white). The well-marked and strongly marked patterns are the most desirable and result in color being left on the ears, nose, and legs as well as some small colored spots being present on the body.

In color genetics, we often want to think of genes as switches that are either off or on and separate from one another.  This is  good for explaining simple inheritance and gives people with no background in genetics an easy introduction. However, when you start to learn more complex subjects like linkage, you have to understand that this is an oversimplified approach.

Gene are not simple, they are actually very complex.  An average gene is made up of around 100,000 base pairs.

MLPH (Melanophilin Gene): MLPH is one of three genes responsible for the even distribution of pigment. The others being Rab27a and MyoVa. Therefore, as you might have guessed, mutations in these genes affect the way pigment is distributed. Mutations in MYOVA, RAB27A, and MLPH can cause dilution of the skin, hair, and eyes as well as other abnormalities. In humans this includes the Griscelli syndromes and in mice the dilutions ashen, leaden, and dilution.

The study of genetics has revealed a remarkable correlation between mammalian species: Our Genes. In fact, it is estimated, that humans share approximately 85% of protein-coding DNA with the common mouse. Because of this, mutations in a gene often have similar results regardless of species.

Most of us are aware that some diseases can be inherited. These inheritable diseases are the result of mutations, affecting the functioning of a gene, thus causing illness. Examples of inheritable diseases in humans include Sickle Cell Anemia and Cystic Fibrosis. Something that is not commonly realized however, is is that the same mutations that cause variations in color, also affect the function of genes.

Color genetics is the study of the genes behind coat colors. Since genes determine the way colors express and the way they are inherited, in order to understand color genetics, it is necessary to understand some very basic genetics.