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:

Steps to Add Genotype

  1. Navigate to breeder profile
  2. Click Edit
  3. Scroll to Details section
  4. Select genotype from dropdown
  5. Save changes

Common Color Genotypes

Here are the most common rabbit colors and their genotypes:

Black
aa B_ C_ D_ E_

Self (solid) black color

Chocolate
aa bb C_ D_ E_

Brown/chocolate color

Blue
aa B_ C_ dd E_

Diluted black

Lilac
aa bb C_ dd E_

Diluted chocolate

Chestnut
A_ B_ C_ D_ E_

Agouti (wild) pattern

REW
__ __ cc __ __

Ruby-Eyed White (albino)

REW Note: Ruby-Eyed White (REW) rabbits have cc at the C locus, which masks all other color genes. A REW rabbit can carry any combination of other genes "hidden" underneath.

Understanding Pattern Types

The A-series gene determines the basic pattern:

Self (aa)

Solid color all over

Black, Blue, Chocolate, Lilac
Agouti (A_)

Banded hairs, lighter belly

Chestnut, Opal, Lynx
Tan/Otter (at_)

Solid with tan/white markings

Black Otter, Blue Otter

Using Genotypes for Breeding

Understanding genotypes helps predict offspring colors:

Example: Black × Chocolate

Buck: Black
aa Bb C_ D_ E_
Doe: Chocolate
aa bb C_ D_ E_
Possible Offspring:
50% Black
aa Bb
50% Chocolate
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

Feature 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

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Last updated: December 2024