Flaxen Color Genetic Research in Progress

Understanding the genetics of horse color could be a gateway to a deeper understanding of the molecular biology of the horse. Worldwide collaborative efforts, such as the Horse Genome Project, seek to identify and understand the entire DNA sequence of the domestic horse. Discovering the mode of inheritance of observable traits such as

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Understanding the genetics of horse color could be a gateway to a deeper understanding of the molecular biology of the horse. Worldwide collaborative efforts, such as the Horse Genome Project, seek to identify and understand the entire DNA sequence of the domestic horse. Discovering the mode of inheritance of observable traits such as color can offer useful clues that may help advance molecular research of equine genetics.

Genetic tests for the flaxen trait could be developed if the genetic basis for inheritance of this color pattern were better understood.
Having blond hairs in the mane or tail of chestnut horses creates a color pattern which is called the “flaxen” trait. The genetic basis for inheritance of this trait has not been well studied, and thus, remains elusive and perplexing. Looking back into the American Morgan Horse Association’s archives, one can see that some of the early Morgans showed the flaxen trait, although the registry did not consistently record the trait. Recently the Morgan breed has experienced a surge in the popularity of a variety of colors, including flaxen chestnuts.

To make progress in understanding the inheritance of the flaxen trait in Morgan horses, we began collecting and studying photographs and pedigrees of flaxen Morgans in 2003. This research is facilitated by computer software and Internet-based communications with Morgan breeders, Morgan enthusiasts, and veterinary scientists. We aim to explain and predict the likelihood of producing the flaxen trait within Morgan breeding programs using pedigree information

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