Using haplotypes to unravel the inheritance of Holstein coat color

Abstract Text:

Our analysis identified two genes controlling Holstein coat color. A newly identified gene was found on chromosome 3, having 2 alleles, with the dominant allele coding for RED. And the well known MC1R gene located on chromosome 18. Four forms of the gene were identified, two causative alleles E^D and e, coding for eumelanin (black) and phaeomelanin (red), respectively; E^BR believed to be linked to a regulatory mutation causing the Black/Red phenotype; and E⁺the ancestral form of the gene coding for a Red phenotype. In the MC1R gene, the RED alleles are recessive. The dominant red allele on chromosome 3 is dominant to all of the alleles at the traditional recessive red gene. A key advantage to breeders is that they that can obtain haplotype results easily and at little to no cost from their participation in a genomic selection program.

Keywords:

haplotypes

coat color genetics

accessibility