[Jacob-list] DNA Color Testing Sheep (Ovine) for b & e Mutations

[ranchrat at telusplanet.net]

Heel low:

I am infatuated with color genetics...

I own the world's first DNA parentage proven & DNA color tested red from 
blue/black&tans Australian Cattle Dog.  Presumed a"t"a"t" tested BB ee, his 
homozygous "e"'s inhibits the expression of black pigment in his hair coat.  

BLUE (mix of black & white hair) BLACK (black hair) & TAN (sable) PLUS "ee" 
(inhibits black pigment) and you end up with "white & tan" = sable red dog.

My interest in color genetics has gone from dogs (canines-one of the reasons I 
also post this to a canine genetics list...color genetics branch out to many 
species!) to sheep (ovines).  In particular, Jacob Sheep (see below signature 
line for brief description of this breed).  The Jacob Sheep is usually a 
piebald black & white sheep...but patching coloration other than black does 
occur and is being called "lilac."  

Since Jacobs are dominant black (sheep are usually recessive black), most Jacob 
cross breds (F1 generation) are black with a few white markings.  The lilac 
coloration is quite intriguing and in the attempt to explain it genetically, I 
hypothesize that the lilac Jacob Sheep is a homozygous "e" and the chocolate 
lilac Jacob Sheep are homozygous "e" (recessive red or yellow that overrides 
the gene at the A locus) & "b" (recessive brown/liver/chocolate).

I cannot prove my theory unless I have my Jacobs DNA color tested for the b & e 
mutations.  Healthgene is willing to work with me and see if the canine DNA 
color test will work on Jacob Sheep.  I am able to get quite a few DNA samples 
from pewter lilac, lilac, chocolate lilac, and black piebald Jacob Sheep for 
testing.

I have been asked by Healthgene to survey the interest in having DNA color 
testing for sheep (ovine).  Please e-mail myself (ranchrat at telusplanet.net) and 
Healthgene (info at healthgene.com) if you would find such a test useful.  
Currently, to my knowledge, there are no DNA color tests targetting 
sheep...this would be quite an undertaking if we are able to make such 
technology generally available.  :-)

This test will be of particular interest to Jacob Sheep owners who are trying 
to explain the lilac coloration in our breed (grey-->brown body patching).  
Shetland, Icelandic, and other sheep breed owners may also find DNA color 
testing beneficial for their breeding programs, especially those interested in 
colored fleece production.  I know first hand that it has taken the mystery out 
of many dog breedings.  I hope this offering of scientific assistance is met 
with enthusiastic approval, so please, e-mail if you think you will use this 
service.

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- E-mail the following message to:
info at healthgene.com, ranchrat at telusplanet.net

- Subject:
DNA Color Testing Sheep (Ovine) for b & e Mutations

- Message content:
Yes, I would find a DNA color test for sheep to be useful to me.

Signed:  ____________________________________

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*PICTURES OF JACOB SHEEP*

http://www.patchworkfibers.com/ 
- Check out Junco, lilac Jacob ram. 

http://www.patchworkfibers.com/2003lambs.html 
- At the same site, piebald black Jacob lambs. 

http://www.patchworkfibers.com/patriot.html 
- Patriot is a well marked chocolate lilac Jacob ram. 

http://www.patchworkfibers.com/lilacs.html 
- Several Lilac Jacob Sheep; last picture has been coined "pewter" lilac. 


http://www.pairlist.net/mailman/listinfo/jacob-list
- Jacob Sheep discussion list...the June Archives are of particular interest in 
regards to the lilac coloration.


My hope is that my call for interest will be circulated so that it reaches 
those parties who would find a DNA color test for sheep to be useful.  Please 
freely cross post this message dated June 10, 2003.

I thank you for your assistance in this intriguing genetic coloration matter.

Doggone,

Tara
-- 
     ____(\                Tara Lee Higgins                  /)____ 
    (_____~>        Rat Ranch - An ACD is for LIFE          <~_____) 
   ( ``  ``          ranchrat at telusplanet.net                ``  `` ) 
    \                       Alberta Canada                         / 
     )  http://www.telusplanet.net/public/ranchrat/index.html     (

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JACOB SHEEP 
By Tara Lee Higgins – June 9, 2003   
  
  The Jacob Sheep is an ancient ornamental park sheep having medium fine 
(Bradford count 44-56, demi-luster), soft, springy handled open fleece that has 
no outer coat and little grease (lanolin).  Small in stature, they are fine- 
boned, lean, and agile.  Both genders are always multi-horned (polycerate). 
  Jacobs are dominant black, white piebald sheep with random body spots (black 
or lilac) and breed specific patching.  Markings occur on the muzzle, eyes, 
ears, neck nape, knees, hocks, pasterns and scrotum or udder.  Tails are short 
and may be docked. 
  Conformation is similar to a dairy goat.  The body is longer than tall, 
triangular head is carried upright, ears are small, eyes may be amber, blue or 
marbled, spine and hip bones are prominent, rear sloping pelvis, and udder or 
scrotum are small.  The Jacob has a unique ground covering gait with natural 
resistance to parasites and foot problems.  Jacobs are bred for soundness, free 
movement, health, strong maternal characteristics and ease of lambing (triplets 
are not rare).  Efficient foragers, pasture stocking rates are 25-50% higher 
than modern breeds with less requirements for supplementation during increased 
nutritional demands. 
  Watchful with a loose flocking instinct, preferring to follow than be 
driven.   Though wary of strangers, many show great affection for their 
caregiver.  Jacobs are intelligent (brain is 8% heavier than average sheep), 
observant individuals who are curious, playful and have a keen sense of humour. 
  Producers may market freezer lamb (lean, flavorful carcass), tanned pelts, 
handspinner fleeces (variety of crimp, fineness, staple (3-7") with natural 
colors from white, gray, black to brown), herding stock, lawnmowing pets, and 
horns for walking sticks and buttons. 
- E N D - 

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