Background
During the last decades, a large number of scientific publications have described the genetic principles of coat colour and coat variation. Coat colours and coat variations are influenced by many hereditary factors. The DNA-tests are based on physiological effects in the body, in which the production and distribution of pigments result in many coat colour variants. In several cases, the coat colour of an animal may only be decided using DNA-tests.The Siamese and Burmese coat patterns are controlled by the gene TYR (tyrosinase) which produces an enzyme that is required for melanin production. The Burmese pattern is a result from reduced pigment production changing black pigment to sepia and orange to yellow. The Burmese points are darker than the body and the eyes are yellow-gray or yellow-green. The Siamese pattern shows reduced pigment production to the points and the eyes are blue. This gene is also known as Color gene or C-locus. The Coat Colour Siamese (K758) and Coat Colour Burmese (K759) combined reveal the genetic status of the C-locus. The C-locus has three variants (alleles). The C allele is dominant over the alleles cb and cs; allele cb is semi-dominant over allele cs. The dominant allele C does not have an effect on the coat colour. Two copies of the cb allele (homozygous cb/cb) results in a Burmese coat pattern. One copy of the allele cb and one copy of the allele cs (cb/cs) result in the intermediate mink colour. Two copies of the cs allele (cs/cs) results in a Siamese coat pattern.
Test specific information
This test is also included in a Combination Package Coat Colour.
Since 2015, two brands have been developed. CombiGen?
is mainly directed at veterinarian applications, whereas CombiBreed?
is mainly directed at breeders and/or owners.Detailed information about Coat Colours and Coat Variation is presented at www.pharmaDNA.com.
Age
Most coat colours and coat types are usually visible directly after birth.
Throughput
Normally the result can be expected within 25 working days. This turn-around-time starts when both the sample and the fully filled-out and signed submission form have been received.
Location of disease or trait
Genetic factors influencing coat colours and coat types are usually visible on the outside of an individual. Several factors may be hidden by the external variation.
Breed dependence
For this test samples from all breeds are accepted.
Sample type
For this DNA test we accept the following materials: Blood EDTA, Swab, Blood Heparin, Tissue. Please contact PharmaDNA if you wish to submit other material as listed.
Result
Coat colours are based on many genetic factors. For each factor, a separate test result will be returned.
Inheritance
Various genetic factors influencing coat colour and coat types are inherited in a dominant or recessive mode. Coat colours are influenced by a large number of genetic factors.
Severity of Disease
Genetic characteristics are not a disease.
