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Scientists Identify Genetic Basis For The Black Sheep Of The Family.

July 11, 2008 — Coat color of wild and domestic animals is a critical trait that has significant biological and economic impact.

Researchers have now identified the genetic basis for black coat color, and white, in a breed of domestic sheep.

In the wild, mammalian coat color is essential for camouflage and plays a role in social behavior.

Coat color also strongly influences the animals we choose to breed both as livestock and as pets.

Understanding the genetic determinants of coat color in livestock species such as sheep, specifically bred for their coat color, is critical for improving efficient selection of the desired trait.

Classical genetics has associated alternative forms, or alleles, of the agouti signaling protein gene (ASIP) with coat color variation in a number of mammals including mice, rats, dogs, cats, pigs, and sheep.

However, most research has been focused on the mouse, with little understood about the genetic basis for coat color in economically important livestock species such as sheep.