Dexter Cattle Colours

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 cattle occur in three different colors: black, red, and dun. Two pairs of genes that are located on separate chromosomes control these colors. Cattle chromosome 8 contains the B (brown = Dexter dun aka TYRP1) locus Cattle chromosome 18 contains the E (extension = red aka MC1R) locus Black and red is one pair of alternative colors.

In Dexter cattle, there are two different red genes. The. However, since other genes are involved with the color of the nose/eyeliner, and the darkness of the coat, there are exceptions, and you cannot be sure of the animal's red genotype without a test, (which is available at virtually any laboratory doing cattle genetic testing).

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 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. 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.

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. 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. 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. 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.