1. What is Horse Color Genetics?

Horse coat color genetics involves the study of how specific genes are inherited and expressed in a horse's coat color. The basic colors are determined by the Extension (E) and Agouti (A) genes, with many other genes modifying these basic colors.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses Punnett square genetics:

Where:

• E — Dominant allele (produces black pigment)
• e — Recessive allele (produces red pigment)
• EE — Homozygous dominant (black)
• Ee — Heterozygous (black carrier of red)
• ee — Homozygous recessive (red/chestnut)

Explanation: The calculator combines alleles from each parent to predict the statistical probability of each possible offspring genotype.

3. Understanding Genotypes and Phenotypes

Details: The genotype is the genetic makeup (EE, Ee, ee), while the phenotype is the visible color. E is dominant over e, so both EE and Ee horses appear black, while only ee horses appear red/chestnut.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Select the known or suspected genotype for each parent. If phenotype is known but genotype uncertain, remember that a black horse could be either EE or Ee, while a red horse must be ee.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the difference between genotype and phenotype?
A: Genotype is the genetic code (EE, Ee, ee), while phenotype is the physical appearance (black or red).

Q2: Can two black horses produce a red foal?
A: Yes, if both are Ee (heterozygous), they have a 25% chance of producing an ee (red) foal.

Q3: What if one parent is EE and the other is ee?
A: All offspring will be Ee (heterozygous black) - 100% probability.

Q4: Are there other genes that affect horse color?
A: Yes, many other genes (Agouti, Cream, Dun, etc.) modify the basic black/red colors to create all the variety we see.

Q5: How accurate are these predictions?
A: The calculator shows statistical probabilities - actual offspring may vary, especially in small sample sizes (small number of foals).