Rabbit Color Genetics

Coat Color

• Coat color in rabbits is controlled by at least 5 known genes. 2 more are suspected.

• (Aa-B-Cch-Dd-E)• Our discussion will focus on what is

called the A locus.

A Locus

• The A locus determines whether the rabbit will be solid colored or wild (Agouti) colored.

AA – Homozygous Dominant - WildAa – Heterozygous – Wild aa – Homozygous Recessive - Solid

Father

Father – Heterozygote

Aa - Agouti

Mother

Mother – Homozygous Recessive

aa - Solid (Black)

Punnet Square

Mother

Father

A aa Aa aaa Aa aa

Expected Colors & Percentages

Mo

ther

Father

A aa Aa aaa Aa aa

2/4 - Aa Heterozygous (50%) Wild color2/4 – aa Homozygous Recessive (50%) Solid

Resulting Offspring

• 3 Wild - 2 Solid (60%/40%)

FatherChestnut (Aa-B-Ccch-Dd-E)

MotherBlue (aa-B-Ccch-dd-E

Opal(Aa-B-C-dd-E)

Chinchilla(Aa-B-cchcch-Dd-E)

Blue (?)(aa-B-C-dd-E)

Squirrel (?)(Aa-B-cchcch-dd-E)

Blue (aa-B-C-dd-E)

Black(aa-B-C-D-E)

Blue (aa-B-C-dd-E)