The gray gene causes progressive depigmentation of the hair, often resulting in a color that is almost completely white by 6-8 years of age. The individual gray test will determine the number of copies of the gray allele (zygosity). The coat color panel tests detect presence or absence of the gray allele.
Mode of Inheritance: Autosomal dominant
Alleles: N = Normal or non-gray, G = Gray
Breeds appropriate for testing: Many breeds
Explanation of Results:
- Horses with N/N genotype will not be gray and cannot transmit this gray variant to their offspring.
- Horses with N/G genotype will be gray and will show a progressive graying of the coat. They may transmit this gray variant to 50% of their offspring. Matings with N/N genotype will result in a 50% chance of producing a gray foal.
- Horses with G/G genotype will be gray and will show a progressive graying of the coat. They will transmit this gray variant to all of their offspring.
If gray is tested as part of a coat color panel, results are reported as:
- present which means the gray allele was detected and horse will gray or
- absent in which the gray allele was not detected and therefore the horse will not turn gray.
INSTRUCTION VIDEO: How to pull hair for testing
Please Note: DNA testing services are limited to horses that are registered or have a pending registration.
Please Note: All DNA parentage verification and mandatory health testing results, whether purchased through the EBRA or transferred into the EBRA system, will become permanent record, which the documented owner may access at any time upon request. The EBRA is not responsible for providing non-mandatory DNA test results, therefore the release of any additional testing performed by past or present owners must be negotiated between the private parties at time of purchase.
