Equine Color Genetics »

D. Phillip Sponenberg, DVM, PhD, is professor of pathology and genetics at the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, and has worked in the field of animal color genetics for nearly three decades. His work with rare breed conservation, largely through the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy, has provided ample opportunity to pursue the variations and details of color in several uncommon but important breeds.

Aimed at the breeders of horses, donkeys, and mules, this text describes recent advances in color genetics that help enable breeders to maximize desired color outcomes. Coverage includes the fundamentals of genetics as well as descriptions of variations in base color, patterns of white on base colors, and hair growth. A section of color plates illustrates the common color modifications of equines. Sponenberg teaches pathology and genetics at the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine. Annotation ©2003 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

Doody Review Services

Reviewer:R. Dean Scoggins, DVM(University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine)
Description:This is an uncomplicated and useful approach to understanding horse and burro color patterns as well as the various subtleties that exist. The book consists eight chapters, four appendixes, and a bibliography. Chapter 8 consists of 102 full-color illustrations accompanied by descriptions of both common and unique coat patterns. The appendixes contain groupings of the various shades of a color and results of crossing of different colors in a breeding program. The probable genetic makeup of a variety of horse and burro colors is included.
Purpose:The purpose of providing a guide to horse and burro coat colors as well as a genetic roadmap for studying these colors is well met.
Audience:Anyone who is a student of the horse will find this book useful. Breeders, veterinarians, teachers, veterinary students, and equine science students should all find this book a valuable addition to their libraries.
Features:The color illustrations of chapter 8 are especially effective at clarifying the descriptions in the text. Along with the more frequently seen colors, several unusual patterns are shown, such as brindle, striped, and champagne. This is an attractive, easily read, and durable-looking book that should stand up to regular usage and remain relevant indefinitely.
Assessment:This appears to be a very useful, clearly written book that can help to consistently identify both horse and burro standard coat colors along with their variations. It defines coat colors in a way that allows anyone with the power of observation to learn to quite consistently determine a horse's basic color pattern. Animal science and veterinary libraries should find this a useful addition to their materials. Individuals with an interest in horses will find it a useful reference. The lack of an index does not detract because of the size and layout of this book.