Genotype Management
Track genetic information for your rabbits to make informed breeding decisions. BunnySync includes a comprehensive genotype system based on standard rabbit color genetics notation.
Understanding Rabbit Genetics
Rabbit coat color is determined by five main gene series, each controlling different aspects of color and pattern:
Gene | Controls | Alleles | Description |
---|---|---|---|
A | Pattern | A > at > a | Agouti (wild) > Tan/Otter > Self (solid) |
B | Black/Brown | B > b | Black > Chocolate (brown) |
C | Color intensity | C > cchd > cchl > ch > c | Full color > Chinchilla > Sable > Himalayan > Albino |
D | Dilution | D > d | Dense color > Dilute (blue/lilac) |
E | Extension | Es > E > ej > e | Steel > Normal > Japanese > Non-extension |
Reading Genotypes
- Capital letters = Dominant alleles
- Lowercase letters = Recessive alleles
- Underscore (_) = Unknown second allele (could be dominant or recessive)
- Two alleles = One from each parent (e.g., Aa, BB, dd)
Adding Genotype Information
Select a genotype when creating or editing a breeder:
Genotype Selection
Over 190 pre-configured genotypes availableSteps to Add Genotype
- Navigate to breeder profile
- Click Edit
- Scroll to Details section
- Select genotype from dropdown
- Save changes
Common Color Genotypes
Here are the most common rabbit colors and their genotypes:
Black
Self (solid) black color
Chocolate
Brown/chocolate color
Blue
Diluted black
Lilac
Diluted chocolate
Chestnut
Agouti (wild) pattern
REW
Ruby-Eyed White (albino)
Understanding Pattern Types
The A-series gene determines the basic pattern:
Self (aa)
Solid color all over
Black, Blue, Chocolate, LilacAgouti (A_)
Banded hairs, lighter belly
Chestnut, Opal, LynxTan/Otter (at_)
Solid with tan/white markings
Black Otter, Blue OtterUsing Genotypes for Breeding
Understanding genotypes helps predict offspring colors:
Example: Black × Chocolate
aa Bb C_ D_ E_
aa bb C_ D_ E_
Possible Offspring:
aa Bb
aa bb
Advanced Genetic Concepts
C-Series (Color) Variations
Chinchilla (cchd)
Removes yellow/red pigment, creating pearl-like colors:
- Black → Chinchilla (silver/pearl)
- Chocolate → Chocolate Chinchilla
- Chestnut → Chinchilla
Sable/Siamese (cchl)
Temperature-sensitive coloring, darker on cooler extremities:
- Siamese Sable
- Smoke Pearl
- Sable Point
Himalayan (ch)
White body with colored points (nose, ears, feet, tail):
- Black Himalayan
- Blue Himalayan
- Chocolate Himalayan
E-Series Special Colors
Non-Extension (ee)
Creates orange/fawn colors by preventing dark pigment extension
- Orange (red)
- Fawn
- Cream
- Tortoiseshell
Steel (Es)
Extends dark color into normally light areas
- Gold Tipped Steel
- Silver Tipped Steel
- Steel variations
Tracking Hidden Genes
Use the underscore (_) notation to track unknown alleles:
Why Track Carriers?
A black rabbit with genotype aa B_ C_ D_ E_ could be:
- Carrying chocolate (Bb) - can produce chocolate offspring
- Carrying dilute (Dd) - can produce blue offspring
- Carrying chinchilla (Ccchd) - can produce chinchilla offspring
- Carrying REW (Cc) - can produce white offspring
Test breeding reveals hidden recessives!
Best Practices
🎯 Start Simple
Begin by tracking only the colors you can see. Use basic genotypes with underscores for unknown alleles.
🎯 Update as You Learn
When test breeding reveals hidden genes, update genotypes to reflect new knowledge. Replace underscores with known alleles.
🎯 Keep Breeding Records
Note unexpected colors in litters - they reveal hidden genetics in the parents.
🎯 Use Standard Notation
Stick to standard genetic notation for consistency and easier sharing with other breeders.
Practical Applications
Line Breeding for Color
Track genotypes to:
- Fix desired colors in your line
- Eliminate unwanted recessives
- Produce specific colors for shows
- Create new color varieties
Avoiding Color Faults
Some breed standards penalize certain colors:
- Track carriers of undesirable colors
- Avoid breeding combinations that produce DQs
- Maintain breed-appropriate colors
Current Limitations
- No automatic breeding predictions
- Cannot create custom genotypes
- No Punnett square calculator
- Limited to pre-configured options
Planned Enhancements
Future updates may include:
- ✨ Breeding Calculator - Predict offspring colors
- ✨ Custom Genotypes - Add your own combinations
- ✨ Visual Punnett Squares - See breeding outcomes
- ✨ Carrier Tracking - Automatic carrier detection
- ✨ Color Photos - Link genotypes to actual photos
- ✨ Breed-Specific Options - Approved colors by breed
Additional Resources
To learn more about rabbit color genetics:
- Books: "ABC of Rabbit Genetics" by Glenna Huffmon
- Online: Various rabbit genetics calculators
- Breed Clubs: Color genetics guides for specific breeds
- Forums: Rabbit breeding communities
Master Rabbit Genetics! 🧬
You now understand how to use BunnySync's genotype management to track genetic information. While genetics can seem complex, starting with basic tracking helps you learn through experience.
Next, learn about linking health records to breeder profiles.
Continue to Health Records →