the unique
Dexter Dun
Dexter Dun results from a mutated Tyrosinase Protein 1 (TYRP 1) also called the Brown Locus (b). Dexter dun is the result of a recessive ‘b’ gene on chromosome 8.
Dexter dun is a different dilute mutation than dun found in other breeds of cattle. It is unique to the Irish Dexter breed.
This painting of a dun cow was painted for David Low by William Shiels in the 1830s, to represent Irish Dexter and Kerry cattle when they were still regarded as one breed. Historically, the Dexter
Dun mutation appears to trace as far back as to when Irish Dexter and
Kerry cattle were still regarded as one breed (and probably long before
that). The b gene responsible for Dun coloration in Dexters was isolated
in 2002.
Sources: |
» see also » Genetics of Coat Color (CC) in Cattle page 1 ~ the Basics of Bovine MC1R Black & Red |
© est. 2013
Homestead & Miniature Cattle Resource Directory
part of
Homestead Cattle Association
Homestead Cattle Registry
Miniature Cattle Registry
Heritage Cattle Registry
published online: December 2018