"Equine Color Genetics, Second Edition" presents the most recent advances in color genetics to horse, donkey, and mule breeders, enabling breeders to tailor their breeding programs to maximize desired color outcomes and minimize undesired color outcomes. The book's format bridges the gap between the scientific and lay communities without ignoring the intricate and complex issues involved in horse and donkey color genetics. "Equine Color Genetics": provides an explanation of genetic mechanisms that determine colors; discusses colors in sequence from less common to more common; explains each color through the interactions of genetic phenomena that build the colors step by step; examines patterns of white hair that may be superimposed on colors; touches on folklore associated with horse colors; and treats donkey color in a separate section. The second edition presents more explicit and detailed explanations than were previously possible, as well as recently documented colors and combinations. The section on donkey colors includes the results of recent studies into the genetic control of color in this species, which will greatly assist donkey breeders as they tailor breeding programs to their own goals.

Table of Contents

Preface 1. Introduction 2. Basic Building Blocks of Horse Color 3. Colors Built from the Basic Colors 4. Patterns of White 5. Role of Horse Color in Horse Breeding 6. Peculiarities of Hair Growth 7. Donkey Color 8. Breeds and Conservation 9. Biology of Genetic Selection 10. Color Photographs Appendices A. Horse Color Names by Category B. Usual Genotypes of Major Horse Colors C. Expected Results of Color Crosses D. Genes Present in Various Breeds in the United States Bibliography Index