black, wild red, red, dun dilution, agouti, brindle, roan
Color Genetics in Galloway Cattle
an informal discussion

Published in Homestead & Miniature Cattle Directory; December 2018
featured author: Alan S. Bias, Galloway Cattle Genetics Discussion Group

Jaslu herd in Dorset
Hatherland Firefox, a wild red Riggit Galloway bull in the Jaslu herd, Dorset

Unfortunately, most registries were started by “laymen” who assign "color classes" by phenotypical observation and not genotype. Not to single out, but let’s just use the American Galloway Breeders Association (AGBA) as an example. The AGBA registers three solid colors; Black, Red and Dun.

There are two immediate issues that arise from this classification of “color”.

First, not all “Reds” are red, i.e. Wild-Type Red is not Red by genotype. Rather, only by phenotypical observation (what can be seen).

Second, “Dun” is a dilution of color, and not a color in itself.

DEFINING Coat Color: Solid coat color in cattle results from the presence or absence of melanin in hair coat.

  • eumelanin “black”
  • phaeomelanin “red”

(MC1r): The Melanocyte Stimulating Hormone Receptor Gene (MSHr), also called the Melanocortin Receptor 1 gene (MC1r) is the source of black or red color.

EXTENSION: The E stands for Extension. Solid Black, Red and Wild-type red cattle are the result of Extension (E) locus (listed in order of dominance):

  • dominant (ED) (black)
  • "wild-type" (E+) (red)
  • recessive (e) (red)

BLACK: The black allele is abbreviated (ED).
The subscript D stands for dominant black. An animal with (ED) present is always black. The (ED) allele is dominant to (E+) and (e). The accepted order of dominance is ED > E+ > e. Cattle that are (e/e) are the recessive red genotype.

RED: The red allele is abbreviated (e).
Lower case is used to indicate that the allele is recessive to the other two alleles for color (ED) & (E+).

WILDTYPE: The wild-type allele is abbreviated (E+).
The superscript + symbol is used to designate a wildtype allele. Initial color coat testing done on Wild-Type Reds during the 1990s by GenMARK concluded at the time these animals were heterozygous black (Bb). Wild-Type Red animals often have deep burgundy red bodies. The extremities (head, neck, feet) appear to be darker or black from a distance. But when viewed up close or in natural sunlight the red coloration is visible down to the root.

Wildtype alleles produce both eumelanin and phaeomelanin through intermediate amounts of tyrosinase. The ratio and distribution of these two pigments may be modified by other genes. The visible expression of eumelanin seems sex linked. This can be observed in wild-type (E+) bulls, which express a darker head, neck and feet as compared to females.

Heterozygous (E+/ED) are most often dark black in color, since even one copy of ED will produce an over-abundance of eumelanin. In heterozygous (E+/ee) variability of coloring in these animals is expected, and poorly documented.

AGOUTI: E+ can be further modified by the Agouti (A) locus. Agouti comes in several forms and has distinct effects depending upon combination. It is not well understood or documented across breeds. The existence of a recessive black Agouti allele (a) has been postulated with some supportive documentation, having the effect of modifying Wild-type E+ black/red to black. Thus, not all phenotypical “black” animals may be black (ED/ED).

Again, as with Extension, it is possible Galloways have more than one type of Agouti in genotype. To touch on briefly, the suggested allele (Abp) is epistatic (dominant) to ED and hypostatic (subordinate) to E+.

In combination with ED, Agouti is not likely visible. In combination with E+ results in very dark Wild-type; expressing not only varying degrees of red, but also locations of red on the body.

The allele (aw) is recessive and will remove red pigment; leading to the illusion of evenly distributed black melanocytes on the body of Wild-type E+, mimicking a black animal.


BROCKITT: Old Scottish publications document White Face Galloway as Brockitt Faced. Another autosomal incompletely dominant gene with a defined infusion point. Last I read some years back, likely another Cs6 mutation.”

ROAN: Roan is a single, autosomal semi-dominant (blending) gene.

Tracy Wood's roan Galloway

Tracy Wood's red roan Galloway cow, New Zealand



Balytyckle Quest

another rare animal;
Balytyckle Quest; a miniature fullblood red roan Galloway cow


WHITE PARK (Cs29) Pattern:
White Park is a unique pattern; a form of spotting, i.e. it is not a solid color. White Park (Cs29) is not a dominant gene, it is a co-dominant gene ~ White Park (Cs29) pattern is an autosomal incompletely dominant trait.

White Galloway pinterest (source unknown)
Classic White Galloway cow (Pinterest: Inntal Kuh)

A single dose results in expression (dark points) and a double dose results in amplified expression (light points). Heterorzygous White Galloways are (Cs29/cs29). Homozygous White Galloways are (Cs29/Cs29). Non-White Galloways are (cs29/cs29). Thus, a heterozygous Cs29/cs29 can produce non-white offspring when mated to Cs29/cs29 or cs29/cs29.

Cs29 white park pattern when heterozygous

2 heterozygous Cs29 White Galloways will produce some solid colored calves;
This black calf is out of pure White Galloway cow, sired by a pure White Galloway bull,
owned by Donald Zimmerman, KZ Farm, Kalispell, Montana

There is nothing mysterious about White Galloway pattern. Autosomal incompletely dominant White x White breedings, where both parents are heterozygous for White, can produce a 1:2:1 ratio of Homozygous White : Heterozygous White : Black (non-white) offspring. This only applies to the "overall color being white w/points (light or dark)" or solid colored...

Variation in flecking (dirty sides), etc... is another story. Believe it or not, much of this is determined by "masked" genotype found within "solid genotype".

“Overmarked” is a term used in some White Galloway registries that refers to an additional roaning, freckling or spotting not typically part of the classic White Park (Cs29) pattern.

H5 Spotty, Cs White Galloway bull

H5 Spotty, an “overmarked” White Galloway bull
bred by Sarah Bowman, Hang 5 Galloways, Parkman, Wyoming

RIGGIT: “Riggit is a true (phenotype) trait. Riggit expresses from a combination of two or more genes in co-expression that produce a unique and somewhat variable, multi-factoral phenotype. In some breeds a "static" pattern is likely produced by a single primary gene (or linked gene complex) with minor variance, i.e. Gloucester Lineback, Lynch Lineback, Pinzgauer, etc...

There are pattern phenotypes seemingly comprised of at least two primary genes in co-expression such Hereford (Lineback + Brockitt for ease of conversation).

Riggit, if multifactorial would fall into a two or more gene co-expression. Similar to other breeds with additional "genetic noise" such as Speckle Park, Texas Longhorn, Randall Lineback, etc...

Costa v. Felde; Brindle Riggit Galloway bull

Costa vom Felde
a brindle Riggit Galloway, Germany


BRINDLE: With wild-type long present in Galloway populations, it should come as no surprise that this phenotype has been resurrected in the German Neanderthal Galloway herd of Hartmut Kindel (above). Brindle is a striping pattern distinct from spotting (S). Most visible on wild-type black animals, less so or nearly invisible on wild-type red, comprised of black and yellow / red color pigments. Current studies indicate the Wild-Type Red (E+) allele is responsive to the brindle agouti (Abr) in patterned brindle animals.

Ultra, brindle Galloway bull in Germany

We have long known that both wild-type black (E+/E+) and wild-type red (E+/e) cattle exist in Galloway Populations. We now know the brindle trait exists in wild-type (ED/E+ Abr, E+/ E+ Abr) Galloway populations, thus showing that wild-type can be further modified by pattern and spotting traits.

Brindle genotype is still poorly documented across breeds and in cross-breeding. Among Nordic breeds however, as early as 1949, Berge reported brindle as a result of co-expression of two distinct traits in Nordic cattle. More recently, Oulmouden (2000 & 2006) showed brindle to be the result of Agouti (Abr) in Normande Cattle.

Thus, we now know brindle to be comprised of E+/Abr.

When brindle gene (Abr) is present and E+/E+ = very dark brindle. When brindle gene (Abr) is present and E+/e = lighter red brindle. When brindle gene (Abr) is present and ED/ED = non expressed brindle.

DUN: Dun Galloways express in three primary phenotypes: Chocolate, Golden and Silver.

4-seite-15-unten_galloway-kalb-farbschlag-dun-Galloway-Kalb, Farbschlag dun-oefm.de

4 seite 15 unten_galloway kalb farbschlag dun ~ Galloway-Kalb, Farbschlag dun, oefm.de

Golden dun results from heterozygous codon deletion within the PMEL gene (p.Leu18del) PMEL +/del.
Silver dun results from homozygous codon deletion within the PMEL gene (p.Leu18del) PMEL del/del.

From a breeder aspect this simply means the dun trait within various Galloway populations is an autosomal incompletely dominant trait; .i.e. it only takes a single dose for partial expression on phenotype.

We have long known that dun is capable of both heterozygous and homozygous modification of expression in black (ED/ED +/del, ED/ED del/del), and in red (e/e +/del, e/e del/del).

While Dun may present in spotted (white park) and patterned (Riggit / color-sided / Lineback / Witrick) & (brindle) Galloways, the locus is only a mutation of solid color, i.e. black or red. The presence of spotting or pattern traits has no effect on the expression of Dun. Thus, there are two common “Dun” phenotypes: Dun Black and Dun Red. Dun modifies black or red, and should be stated first in name or genomic descriptor.

With autosomal mutations of color across species, such as Agouti and Dun, both recessive and incompletely dominant, variation of color (shading) is to be expected. This as a result of “autosomal concentration”, .i.e. a sort of cumulative effect. Just as an autosomal incompletely dominant trait has distinct impact in both heterozygous and homozygous fashion, so does an autosomal recessive trait. Only in the latter it takes much observation to take note of the subtle differences presented in the heterozygous form of a recessive. Thus, all light-colored animals are not the result of Dilution genes.

Dun is dominant to black. The effect on red is more uniform. Homozygous red (e/e) animals that are also heterozygous at the Dun locus will be duns. Animals that are homozygous Dun show a more extensive reduction in pigmentation in both black (ED/ED) and red (e/e) coloration. A homozygous black Galloway (ED/ED), but also homozygous for Dun, will appear silver. On the other hand, individuals homozygous for Dun and also homozygous red (e/e) would look very light red or even yellow. Animals heterozygous or homozygous for Dun and (E+/E+) or (E+/e) will be darker than (e/e). The actual shading will vary depending upon specific combinations (zygosity).

CHOCOLATE DUN: Is likely the result of combination of Dun with various types of E and A alleles in co-expression.

ED-ED

E+ wild

ee

dun blk

dun2-blk

dun3-blk

dun1-red

ADDITIONAL NOTES:

As hair grows during embryonic development, melanocytes develop and migrate to the follicles to produce pigment. Further traits can modify color coat in utero, shortly after birth or with aging. Additional traits can modify for spotting or pattern.

Extension regulates the levels of tyrosinase. High concentrations of this enzyme result in production of eumelanin (black pigment), while low concentrations of this enzyme result in the production of phaeomelanin (red pigment). It is possible Galloways have additional types of Extension other than (E).

Belting is is another unique pattern; another form of spotting, i.e. it is not a solid color.
Belting is also an autosomal incompletely dominant gene. Use of a homozgyous Belted sire or dam, even a well marked heterozgyous parent, can actually produce heterozgyous Belted offspring that are "consistently well marked" in F1 outcross with other breeds. Especially, those breeds which do not historically consist of spotting produced by Belting or other genes, i.e. they lack negative concentration to inhibit belted expression. For some reason this does not seem to hold true with F1 when either parent is a Galloway. Canadian herdbook entries should substantiate this? It was well known among breeders at one time. Bottom line is homozgyous Belting in itself does not guarantee "consistently well marked" offspring. Belting in individual herds varies greatly dependant upon "sum total gentype", i.e. has the herd accrued positive or negative autosomal concentration to refine or disrupt belting? ~ Alan S. Bias

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This informal article is generously provided by Alan S. Bias, and is the result of discussions mostly in 2018
on the Galloway Cattle Genetic Discussion Group. https://www.facebook.com/groups/610010689066993

see also:
Dun Galloway Genetics; a discussion of effect on phenotypical expression.
Paper by © Alan S. Bias; Permission granted for nonprofit reproduction or duplication
of photos and text with proper credit for learning purposes only. March 16, 2015

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Alan S Bias About the Author: Alan S Bias is an independent researcher active in evolutionary biology as a member of Independent Academia, and has published many papers that document his research findings. In this article, he shares some of his knowlege about the genetics of the most common dilution in beef cattle. Alan is a rare Shetland Sheep, Galloway Cattle and Domestic Guppy breeder & exhibitor of 47 years. For the last 35 years he has specialized in strains known to breeders as "Swordtail Guppies". For nearly 20 years he has done cellular level research, combining formulated breeding tests & systematic observation to help breeders understand the complexities of modern Guppy genetics in the strain being produced. Alan lives in Lewisburg, West Virginia, United States. alansbias@aol.com


galloway colors & markings
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Farbschl%C3%A4gePigmentierungenGALLOWAYS.jpg

 

table of color genetic mutations

 

click to open large blue roan chart in separate window
open chart in separate window

Highlands come in most colors
vintage Highland painting - from Sheila Schmutz genetics page

» see also » Genetics of Coat Color (CC) in Cattle page 1 ~ the Basics of Bovine MC1R Black & Red
» you are here » Genetics of Coat Color (CC) in Cattle pg 2 ~ the Color Genetics of Galloway (representative of many breeds)
» see also » Genetics of Coat Color (CC) in Cattle pg 3 ~ the unique Dexter Dun
» see also » Genetics of Coat Color (CC) in Cattle pg 4 ~ the Lightning spot
» see also » Dwarfism in Miniature Cattle ~ Chondrodysplasia
» see also » Homestead & Miniature Cattle Directory of hereditary diseases ~ general traits, coat color (CC), genetic conditions
» see also » Homestead & Miniature Cattle Directory of infectious diseases ~ herd health testing, management, vaccinations
» see also » Genetic Mutations: 12 interesting facts


» Ongoing Research on: the White Park Pattern
» Related Resource: Colour Inheritance in White Galloway Cattle, BeltedGalloways.co.uk
» Related Resource: Molecular genetics of coat colour variations in White Galloway and White Park cattle
» Related Resource: Canadian Speckle Park Association; Colors & Patterns: “White with points is incompletely dominant. The solid colour pattern is recessive.”
» Related Resource: A combined genome-wide approach identifies a new potential candidate marker associated with the coat color sidedness in cattle; Livestock Science Volume 225, July 2019, Pages 91-95.
» Related Resource: Holsinger Homeplace Farms German Research on White Galloway Genetics pdf report
» Related Article: “White Park Colour Pattern” Research paper presented to the White Galloway conference in Germany in 2014:
» Results from: White Galloway Colour Inheritance Research Seminar, Germany – 8 September 2014, from Suncrest Stud, New Zealand, with photos, studies the White Galloway and British White color pattern... “From post presentation discussions with Professor Swalve, it is apparent that there is no homozygosity with (ideally) Well Marked White Galloways and that there is no colour genetic difference between a White Full Black Galloway and a Standard Black Galloway. This being the case, it should open up the gene pool to both White Galloway and Standard Galloway breeders, Society rules permitting.”
» Related Resource: Riggit Galloway Cattle Society Official Sales Page
» Related Article: “The Riggit Resurrection” TwoMills Galloways,
» Related Resource: UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory Cattle Tests
» Related Article: “Genetics of Coat Color in Cattle, By Sheila M. Schmutz, Ph.D., University of Saskatchewan, Canada.
Genes for Cowboys (19 pgs), by Sheila M. Schmutz, Retired Professor, Department of Animal Science, University of Saskatchewan, Canada. This pdf document was written to help ranchers and agriculture students understand genetics relevant to beef cattle. This information was first kept on a set of webpages on Sept. 28, 2002, and provided a widely used resource on the internet for decades. This document is a current version, last updated in June, 2023. Table of Contents include Inheritance Patterns, Mendelian Inheritance and Beyond, Chromosome Considerations in Cattle ...... Fertility, Teratogenic Inheritance ....... in utero effects and Multifactorial Inheritance ....... genetic and environment interaction.
» Related Article: “Genetics of Highland Coat Color. By Glen Hastie, Bairnsley Scottish Highland Cattle, Victoria, Australia.
» Related Article: “Color Patterns in Crossbred Beef Cattle,” Megan Rolf, Oklahoma State University
» Related Article: “Red Genetics.” Color Genetics explained in all breeds of cattle - featuring the Redliner (red Lowliner)
» Related Article: “Cattle Colour Genetics” A blog studying spotting and hereford marking genetics, by a rancher in Saskatchewan.
» Related Article: “Coat Colour Genetics in the Tuli Breed” Breeding hot weather tolerant cattle in South Africa
» Related Article: 5-part series: “The genetics of coloration in Texas Longhorn cattle.” There are 8 genetic loci (discussed in this article) that are known to affect color and pattern in Texas Longhorns (Extension, Brindle, Dilution, Dun, Spotting, Color-sided, Roan, and Brockling). The in-depth 5-part article (links below) were published in Texas Longhorn Trails, Volume 16, number 8 (November 2004). ©David M. Hillis, Double Helix Ranch, Professor, University of Texas at Austin:
The Genetics of Coloration in Texas Longhorns: Part 1: The Basic Colors.
The Genetics of Coloration in Texas Longhorns: Part 2: Grulla, Dun, and Other Reduced Pigment Patterns
The Genetics of Coloration in Texas Longhorns: Part 3: The Wild-type Color Variants
The Genetics of Coloration in Texas Longhorns: Part 4: Spotted, Lineback, Color-Sided, and White Park Patterns
The Genetics of Coloration in Texas Longhorns: Part 5: Roan and Brockling Patterns
Distribution and Functionality of Copy Number Variation across European Cattle Populations ~ “Copy number variation (CNV), which is characterized by large-scale losses or gains of DNA fragments, contributes significantly to genetic and phenotypic variation. We found significant differences in CNV counts between different cattle populations. Assessing CNV across different European cattle populations might reveal genetic changes responsible for phenotypic differences, which have accumulated throughout the domestication history of cattle as consequences of evolutionary forces that act upon them. The aurochs (Bos primigenius primigenius) is the ancestor of European cattle. Although the wild ancestor no longer exists, many extant European cattle breeds still possess primitive, aurochs-like features. These breeds are often referred to as primitive cattle breeds (Upadhyay et al., 2016). By contrast, commercial cattle breeds, including Holstein-Friesian (HF), Brown Swiss (BS) and Jersey, display derived phenotypic traits such as polledness and early maturity. It is likely that some of these differences in traits between primitive and modern cattle may result from CNV. Systematically assessing CNV contrasting cattle populations from different regions may provide insight into the role of CNVs in population differentiation. “...a CNV overlapping the Kit gene in English longhorn cattle has previously been associated with color-sidedness.”
» Related Resource: Bovine Genome.org The Bovine Genome Database project is to support the efforts of bovine genomics researchers by providing data mining, genome navigation and annotation tools for the bovine reference genome. Based on the Hereford cow, L1 Dominette 01449.

 

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