Color Genetics in Cattle

White markings / depigmentation

• KIT-related: color-sidedness (CS), white spotting, white head
  • Breeds: Original Braunvieh, Brown Swiss, Evolèner, Eringer, Pinzgauer, Tuxer, Simmental, Hereford 
• TWIST2-related: Belted (BE)
  • Breeds: Original Braunvieh, Galloway, Lakenvelder
• MITF-related: white spotting
  • Breeds: Brown Swiss
• TYR-related: Albinism
  • Breeds: Simmental

Red

• MC1R-related: recessive red
  • Breeds: Evolèner, Eringer, Brown Swiss, Original Braunvieh, Simmental, Holstein, Abondance, Rotes Höhenvieh
• COPA-related: variant red (VR)
  • Breeds: Holstein

Color dilution

• PMEL-related: grey, short, and curly hair 
  • Breeds: Swiss Fleckvieh