Genetics stuff. What is Agouti?

[RobinRTrueJoy]

I am trying to learn more about genetics. Can someone explain what agouti means?

Thanks!

Robin

 

[Songcatcher]

Agouti is the gene that causes a Black horse to be a Bay. It can be carried by a Red based horse and not show.

 

[targetsmom]

Here is a link to more information about agouti: http://www.horsetesting.com/Equine.htm

You need agouti and cream for buckskin. Chestnut horses can carry it and it won't show, so the test is useful if you want (or don't want!) bay (or buckskin) foals.

 

[Bunnylady]

The Agouti is actually a large South American rodent, why in the world this gene was named after it is beyond me! There are two pigments involved in producing a colored coat, red and black. The Agouti gene determines exactly where in the animal's coat the black pigment appears. In horses, the Agouti gene allows black to appear on the legs, mane, and tail, and not on the body. Other genes determine whether or not the animal actually produces black pigment at all, which explains how an animal can carry the Agouti gene and not show it.