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E Locus Rabbit Colors
E locus rabbit colors. Rabbit coat color genetics information pertaining to the 2 ‘E’ locus rabbit color genes carried by domestic rabbits, including the sneaky Es steel gene.
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The 2 genes at the 'E' locus manage the quality and the quantity of the black pigment in a rabbit's coat. 'E' stands for extension (or non-extension) of the black pigment on the fur shaft.
There are 4 genetic options at the 'E' locus, presented here in their order of dominance:
Es: Said to be dominant, but as we will see, that dominance is incomplete. It is nevertheless definitely overpowering. It over-produces black pigment on the hair shaft, invading and taking over the normal pattern of color. A correct 'steel' coloration requires a single Es and an E (EsE). Despite incomplete dominance, we list Es first, as it overpowers the other 'E-locus' rabbit color genes.
To identify a steel rabbit, look for the rabbit's undercolor extending all the way up the hair shaft, wiping out the ring, and on an agouti, no white belly.
E: Dominant - Correct presentation of black pigment. Most rabbits carry 'EE.'
ej: Dominant to 'e' but recessive to 'E.' ej produces the brindled pattern of harlequins and magpies (some areas over-produced black, and some areas under-produced). Pictured here is a well-marked harlequin rabbit.
If you add the dominant En broken gene to the mix (En has its own 'En' locus and is not a part of the 'E' locus), the harlequin turns into a broken tri-colored rabbit, such as this Rhinelander.
Without the 'En' broken gene, this Rhinelander would look very much like the Harlequin above.
e: Recessive - No extension of black pigment at all. Think oranges, reds, and fawns. When its effect is imperfect possibly due to modifiers, you'll get a remaining bit of 'smut' or 'soot' on the rabbit.
This Cinnamon rabbit is a self black rabbit with 2 copies of the ee non-extension gene, which wiped out nearly all of the black pigment. In the case of this rabbit, modifiers allow a touch of remaining black on the corners of the rabbit - ears, nose, and around the tail and feet.
'E' Genotypes:
Steels = EsE (EsEs, a double-steel, is too dark for true steel coloration - see below)
Normally colored rabbits = EE, Eej, or Ee
Harlequins = ejej or eje
Red/orange/fawn = ee
Pictured at right is an orange Netherland Dwarf, an agouti rabbit with the black pigment nearly entirely eliminated. Without its 'ee' genes, this rabbit would be a chestnut agouti.
Controversy: I've heard tell of an Ed gene that is reported to be even stronger than the Es gene. The jury is still out, as far as we know, relative to whether or not this is true.
We rather doubt it. We think that the 'Ed' is really a double set of 'Es' genes -- 'EsEs' -- which would greatly strengthen the steel effects. Remember, the true 'steel' rabbit comes with just one steel gene and a normal 'E' gene (EsE). If you double the Esand add in some darkening modifiers, it's easy to see why some would figure there must be a gene stronger than the steel 'Es.'
Is there a geneticist out there that can verify the existence of an Ed gene? Or confirm our doubts? If so, please comment below, or contact us.
We've pictured several E locus rabbit colors. There are more, once you factor in the A, B, C, and D genes. But hopefully you can now recognize the actions of E locus rabbit color genes when you see them.
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If you add the dominant En broken gene to the mix (En has its own 'En' locus and is not a part of the 'E' locus), the harlequin turns into a broken tri-colored rabbit, such as this Rhinelander.
This Cinnamon rabbit is a self black rabbit with 2 copies of the ee non-extension gene, which wiped out nearly all of the black pigment. In the case of this rabbit, modifiers allow a touch of remaining black on the corners of the rabbit - ears, nose, and around the tail and feet.
