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 Apricot
/ Pearl / Barlink
Identifying champagne horses based on phenotype can be
difficult, especially when multiple dilution genes exist in one
horse. A recently discovered gene has been proven to create
pseudo-champagne characteristics, especially when combined with the
cream gene. What will this gene do when combined with the champagne
gene? Only time (and genetic testing) will tell.
The UC Davis has mapped the "Apricot/Pearl" gene and offers a test
for it. No test is currently available for the champagne gene, but
progress is being made.
The following is
an explanation from the UC Davis website:
Horses have four common coat color dilution genes with defined
phenotypes: Cream, Dun, Silver and Champagne. Two rare dilution
phenotypes have been recognized in Quarter Horses and Spanish horse
breeds such as Andalusians and Lusitanos. In Spanish horses, this
dilution is known as Pearl. In Quarter Horses and Paints, it has
been commonly known as "Barlink Factor". The two dilutions have been
assumed to be different. Research at the Veterinary Genetics
Laboratory (VGL) on the Quarter Horses/Paints identified a mutation
associated with the "Barlink Factor" dilution. Further research has
shown that the same mutation is present in Spanish horses with the
Pearl phenotype. The presence of this mutation in Quarter Horses and
Paints likely reflects the Spanish horse ancestry of these modern
breeds. To recognize that this mutation probably originated in
Spanish horses, it is appropriate to name it Pearl.
Pearl behaves as a recessive gene with respect to the hair color.
One dose of the mutation does not change the coat color of black,
bay or chestnut horses. Two doses on a chestnut background produce a
pale, uniform apricot color of body hair, mane and tail. Skin
coloration is also pale. Pearl is known to interact with Cream
dilution to produce pseudo-double Cream dilute phenotypes including
pale skin and blue/green eyes.
The Veterinary Genetics Laboratory offers a coat color test for the
Pearl dilution. The results are reported as:
| N/N |
No evidence of altered sequence detected. |
| N/Prl |
One copy of the altered sequence detected. If
Cream dilution is also present, a pseudo-double Cream
phenotype will result. |
| Prl/Prl |
Two copies of the altered sequence detected.
On a chestnut base color, a uniform apricot color of body
hair, mane and tail will result. |
Case Study: GUIDALEZA R
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Dam
Photo |
Sire
Photo |
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This gorgeous young mare appeared to have many characteristics
of a gold cream champagne.
Notice her striking blue eyes, pale gold coat, and bright pink
skin. Her DNA test from the UC Davis reveals that she is
homozygous red (e), heterozygous agouti (Aa), and HETEROZYGOUS
cream (N/Cr). A later DNA test by the UC Davis revealed that she
carries the pearl (Prl) gene, a recessive gene that, when
combined with the cream gene, creates a pseudo-champagne.
Her dam, a DNA tested chestnut (e) mare, produced the following
foals:
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