Dexters come in three different colours; black, red and dun. But what makes a Red Dexter red or a Dun Dexter dun? Or for that matter allows a Black Dexter to have a coloured calf? Two major genes are involved in producing these colors. Clear as mud? Well it actually is not that confusing when we break it down.
Dexter cattle, a breed originating from Ireland, are known for their distinct size and color patterns which have intrigued breeders and geneticists alike. As the smallest European cattle breed, Dexters are recognized for their versatility, hardiness, and distinctive coloring. The genetics of Dexter cattle are fascinating as they showcase the interplay of several genes that determine coat color.
Dexter bulls are known for their even temperament and ease of handling. Dexter cows are typically excellent mothers, displaying the type of nurturing instincts that make them highly prized in seed stock operations. Dexters come in 3 colors: black, red, and dun.
Solid colors, with occasional white on udders and/or behind the umbilicus, are the norm. Dun Color in Dexters The dun coloration in Dexter cattle is caused by the dilution of black pigment in the hair, producing shades of dark brown to gold. This color dilution is caused by a recessive mutation.
The primary colour gene in the Dexter has two principal alleles, red and black. Black is dominant to red so an animal with two black alleles or one black and one red allele will be black. Let's break the color options down into 9 simple principles.
In the case of Dexter coloration, we will consider our baseline color to be black. There are two completely separate genes that will make Dexters a color other than black. In both cases, these colors are recessive to black, so the animal must receive the same non.
The American Dexter Cattle Association (ADCA) sets the breed standards for Dexter cattle in the United States. To be registered, Dexters must meet specific criteria regarding their size, conformation, and color. Dexters can be solid red, black, or dun.
They do not have spots, but some white on the tail and the underside of the belly behind the navel is common. White, as a body color, is not a true Dexter color. Some people do bred Dexters to other breeds of cattle to produce boutique colors and color patterns, but true, heritage Dexters are only red, black, or dun.
Dexters come in three different colours; black, red and dun. But what makes a Red Dexter red or a Dun Dexter dun? Or for that matter allows a Black Dexter to have a coloured calf? Basically Dexters carry their colour coding on two separate chromosomes, black and red exist on one and dun exists on another and is actually a dilution of the black.