Rabbit Coat Color Genetics

The following items were produced by a livestock specialist and her undergraduate student. Together, these resources provide a good understanding of how genes work together to display different combinations of rabbit coat color and patterning. Rabbits are bred for 4-H projects, hobby farms, as personal pets, and for other uses such as meat and fiber production.

Understanding the genetics behind rabbit coat colors: Part 1 — introduction

Rabbits are bred for 4-H projects, hobby farms, as personal pets and for other uses. Yet, information about coat color genetics is either too technical or not easy to access. Here's a basic guide to coat color genetics.

Jenifer Cruickshank, Molly Stern | Feb 2022 | Article Peer reviewed (Gray level)

Understanding the genetics behind rabbit coat colors: Part 2 — coat color genes

The appearance of a rabbit's coat is determined by genes that control color base, color density, pattern, extension of dark pigment, spotting and silvering. Learn more about each gene and how they work together.

Molly Stern, Jenifer Cruickshank | Apr 2022 | Article Peer reviewed (Gray level)

Understanding the genetics behind rabbit coat colors: Part 3 — your rabbit

By looking at a rabbit's coat, you can determine its genotype. Here's a guide to coloring and patterning and what they say about a rabbit's genes.

Jenifer Cruickshank, Molly Stern | Apr 2022 | Article Peer reviewed (Gray level)

Understanding the genetics behind rabbit coat colors: Part 4 - review and practice

Use this interactive, web-based resource to learn even more about coat color genetics! Two lessons provide the learner an opportunity to practice determining genotypes and 'investigate' what a rabbit might look like if it had a certain, given genotype. Full-color photographs enhance the experience, and mini quizzes help to reinforce the topics. This resource was developed to be mobile device friendly and accessible.

Molly Stern, Jessica Green, Jenifer Cruickshank | Apr 2022 | Online resource

Rabbit Coat Color Genetics - GALLERY

The following images relate to the Rabbit Coat Color Genetics project. Please view all articles for context and explanation of these images.

Jenifer Cruickshank, Molly Stern | Mar 2022 | Educational gallery

Rabbit Coat Color Genetics - Summary Table

Coat color in rabbits is due to the interaction of 7 genes, possibly more. Use this handy table to work through the information presented in the collection of articles here on the OSU Extension site. This table lists the known genotypes, their function, and wild-type alleles.

Molly Stern, Jenifer Cruickshank | Apr 2022 | Article

Apr 2022

Authors

Jenifer Cruickshank

Assistant Professor, Dairy Extension Specialist

Molly Stern

Student, College of Agricultural Sciences (Student worker)

Want to learn more about this topic? Explore more resources from OSU Extension: Poultry and rabbits

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