Goat Color Genetics

Learn how goats' color is determined by genes, pigments, and interactions of various factors. Understand the basic principles of genetics and the types of eumelanin and pheomelanin pigments in goats. Nigerian Dwarf Goat Color Breeding Chart With only rare exceptions, here are the possible results you will get when breeding these patterns together.

Terms Guide: Homozygous. Learn about the complex interactions of pigments, patterns, and genes that determine goat color. See examples of different color types, alleles, and strategies for breeding colored goats.

When trying to determine the color of an animal, ignore any white on them and concentrate on the base color or pattern first. For additional information about coloration and patterning in goats, search the internet for articles by Dr. Phil Sponenberg, DVM, the leading authority on the genetics of color in many species.

The wide range of colors and patterns in goats is part of what makes them so fascinating. A goat's color can be the "icing on the cake" of an otherwise good goat, and can be an important final touch to a goat's appearance. Goats have great variation in color and the genetic control can be tricky, although this is more true for some breeds than for others.

The huge variation in goats. This page is designed with both beginners and seasoned goat enthusiasts in mind, breaking down the intricacies of color genetics into a friendly and digestible format. We'll guide you through the basics, unraveling the mysteries of coat colors, patterns, and the fascinating genetic combinations that make each goat uniquely beautiful.

SCI Goat Color Definitions Note: Scroll to the bottom of the page for the quick color guide. Credits: This document relies heavily on the work of and consultation with Dr. Phil Sponenberg and his understanding of goat color genetics.

It was influenced by Cris Waller's paper on Nigerian Dwarf color genetics and brought to life by Laurel Sherrie's artwork. Many thanks to the San Clemente Island. In general, goats exploited in extensive systems are native (local) animals, characterized for having a heterogeneous phenotype, where skin and coat coloration show a tremendous variation, which represents a precious genetic reservoir [7].

Color Genetics in the Nigerian Dwarf Goat - Cris Waller, Foxcroft Nigerian Dwarf Goats Goat Color Genetics - Dr. Phillip Sponenberg, Virginai. Silver is a unique, dominant modifier which works by changing the hair over the entire goat to a silvery-grey color.

This modifies any agouti pattern, although looks most drastic on black or darker colored goats.