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Description
Smoky Black Pearl Horse
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Pearl dilution is a recently identified and rare color gene that is thought to have originated in horses of Spanish descent. The presence of the Pearl gene has been confirmed in breeds of Iberian origin, such as the Lusitano and Purebred Spanish horse, and is theorized to be present in the Spanish Mustang. In the American Quarter and American Paint horses, Pearl dilution is regularly referred to as the 'Barlink Factor.' Although the gene is distinct, the affect of Pearl dilution is similar to that of the cream and champagne dilutions.
Pearl dilution is a recessive gene, and therefore will only affect the coat of the carrying horse if:
1) Two inherited copies of the pearl dilution gene are present. Horses inheriting two copies of the Pearl will have a diluted coat and pale skin. For example, red horses carrying two copies of Pearl will have a lightened apricot coat, mane and tail, pale skin, and light brown eye color.
2) The Cream Dilution gene is also present in the Pearl-carrying horse. The combination of the dominant Cream gene and the Pearl dilution gene will produce a pale coat color similar to that of horses that are homozygous for the Cream gene, such as cremello. The skin is pale and the eyes a blue/green color.
Pearl Dilution Testing
Animal Genetics offers
DNA testing and detection of the Pearl Dilution gene mutation.
Cost
$25.00
US per sample.
Sample Collection
Collect sample by pulling (not cutting) 20-30
mane or tail hairs with roots attached. It is important that you
pull the hairs and confirm that the actual root of the hair is being
collected. The root contains the genetic material of your horse
that is needed for DNA testing. Therefore, cut hairs do not provide
an adequate sample of your horse. Place the collected hairs of each
horse in a separate zip-lock bag labeling the bags accordingly with
the horses name or identification number. Download and complete
a submission form for each sample and send along with
payment to Animal Genetics for testing.
Results
Results are given using the following symbolic
notation:
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PrlPrl |
The
horse carries two copies of the Pearl gene and is homozygous
for Pearl. The horse will always pass on one copy of the Pearl gene to its offspring. Horses with two copies of pearl will have a lightened mane and tail, a lightened coat and have pale skin. |
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nPrl |
One copy of the Pearl Dilution gene was detected. Offspring of this horse will have a 50% chance of inheriting the Pearl gene. |
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nn |
Horse
tested negative for the Pearl Dilution gene. |
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