€57,48 €47,50 excl. VAT
The classic grey coat colour in alpacas is a dilution phenotype that lightens the base colour of the fleece.
17 working days
From €5,95 shipping and administration per order (incl. VAT)
Specifications
| Gene | |
|---|---|
| Organ | |
| specimen | Swab |
| Mode of Inheritance | |
| Chromosome | |
| Year Published |
General information
The classic grey coat colour in alpacas is a dilution phenotype that lightens the base colour of the fleece. It typically results from a mix of black and white or fawn fibres, creating the characteristic grey appearance. A dominant mutation in the KIT gene has been identified as the causative variant for classic grey. All alpacas with this phenotype have been found to be heterozygous for this mutation.
We offer a genetic test for this KIT mutation, which is not only associated with the classic grey phenotype, but also with the blue-eyed white (BEW) phenotype.
Clinical features
Grey alpacas may display coat colours ranging from dark silver or charcoal to light silver-grey, with the pattern either evenly distributed across the body or appearing as roaning or spotting.
BEW alpacas are often linked to congenital sensorineural deafness, and their coat colour may appear solid white, masking the presence of grey genetics. Especially on light-coloured backgrounds, where the grey phenotype can be cryptic or hidden. While the KIT gene variants explain many cases of BEW, other, as-yet-unidentified genetic causes may also lead to this phenotype.
Additional information
No animals homozygous for the classic grey mutation were found, which suggests that the mutation is most likely embryonic lethal in the homozygous state.
References
Pubmed ID: 31297861
Omia ID: 209