Colour Genetics in Cattle

Different coat colors

White markings / depigmentation

  • KIT-related: Colour-sidedness (CS), White spotting, White head
    • Breeds: Original Braunvieh, Brown Swiss, Evolèner, Eringer, Pinzgauer, Tux-Zillertaler, Simmental, Hereford
  • TWIST2-related: Belted (BE)
    • Breeds: Original Braunvieh, Galloway, Lakenvelder
  • MITF-related: White spotting
    • Breeds: Brown Swiss
  • TYR-related: Albinism
    • Breeds: Simmental
  • GRID1-related: Auditory-pigmentary syndrome
    • Breeds: Simmental
  • RAD54B-related: Depigmentation syndrome
    • 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