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.

Genetics made simple! While rabbit genetics can be complex, BunnySync provides pre-configured genotypes for common colors, making it easy to track genetics even if you're new to the subject.

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

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

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

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 →