Instructions
Understand basic genetics. Genetics is quite complicated, but a basic understanding of horse color genetics is essential in choosing your breeding stock. Genes are DNA hereditary units that make up the chromosomes responsible for how a creature looks. Horses have 32 pairs of chromosomes, with each pair of genes (called alleles) specific to one "job." Geneticists label alleles with a letter, upper case for dominant alleles and lower case for recessive alleles. The dominant gene is the one expressed, if present, while the recessive gene will only be expressed in the absence of a dominant gene. A foal will receive one gene/allele from each parent's chromosome pairs.
Learn the genetic alleles responsible for the base horse colors of black and red. The basic horse color allele is gene E (red factor). Gene "E" is dominant and is responsible for black-based colors (black or brown), and the recessive gene "e" is responsible for the red-based colors (chestnut/sorrel). Since chromosomes are always in pairs, the possible allele combinations a parent can have for the base color are:
Homozygous Dominant: both genes are dominant ("EE").
The dominant gene is expressed as a black-based color.
Homozygous Recessive: both genes are recessive ("ee").
The recessive gene is expressed as a red-based color.
Heterozygous: One dominant gene and one recessive gene ("Ee").
The dominant gene is expressed, hiding the recessive gene's expression of red. However, the recessive gene may be passed on to offspring (a heterozygous black-based color horse can produce a red-color-based offspring).
Learn the genetic alleles responsible for the bay-colored horse. Other genetic color codes are also present that affect the basic colors of red and black. The agouti gene ("A") is responsible for the distribution of black hair on a horse whose genetic code is dominant for black-based color. The dominant agouti gene "A" restricts the black hair to the "points" on a horse's body (ears, muzzle, legs, mane and tail) and results in a bay horse color when the dominant "E" gene is present. The recessive agouti gene "a" distributes black all over the body and results in a black horse. The agouti gene has no effect on red-based colors. Therefore, possible alleles present for a bay horse are: EE or Ee (black color base) and AA or Aa (black points).
Learn the genetic allele code responsible for the cream dilution. The buckskin color represents a diluted bay color. The gene responsible for diluting the bay color is called the cream dilution gene and has two possible alleles, "CR" and "C". The "CR" allele is semi-dominant and dilutes the base colors of red or black. The "C" allele does not dilute the base color, as it is a recessive gene. If a foal with the genetic makeup for black color base (EE or Ee) and a dominant agouti gene (AA or Aa) also receives one dominant cream dilution gene, the result is a buckskin. If that same foal receives two dominant cream dilution genes (CRCR), then it is a double dilution and results in a cremello (double diluted chestnut) or perlino (double diluted bay), which are light, cream-colored horses with pink skin and blue eyes.
Learn the best genetic code combination that has the highest probability of resulting in the buckskin color. The genes responsible for the buckskin color are a combination of gene pairs that result in the black base color (EE or Ee), with black points to become a bay color (AA or Aa) and the presence of only one dominant cream dilution gene (CRC).
Choose the mare and stallion. Based on the genetic codes that result in buckskins, the best possible combination of mare and stallion is to breed a homozygous bay (EEAA or EEAa) and a Perlino horse (EE/Aa/CRC or EE/AA/CRC). Perlinos are the best choice as they are a double dilution of a black base color, lessening the chance of the red factor being present (cremello horses have the "e" gene expressed). This combination will give the breeder the highest percentage in resulting buckskin foals. Affordable genetic testing is available to determine some horse color genes and is very useful for color breeders. In looking for suitable horses for your breeding program, tests that can be used to determine if they are candidates for breeding buckskins are:
Red Factor: Bays may have recessive red genes ("e"), which must be absent in the bay parent for best results in breeding for buckskins. In addition, the best double cream dilution parent is a perlino, so the absence of the red factor in your cream parent is desirable.
Cream Dilution: A bay may possibly carry recessive cream genes, which, when bred to a cremello or perlino, results in double dilutions (a cremello, perlino or other variations of double dilutions). Therefore, the absence of the cream dilution gene is desirable in your bay parent.
If genetic testing is not possible, then choose breeding stock by researching pedigrees. Cremellos and perlinos are easily distinguished from other color genetics (light hair color, blue eyes and pink skin), but difficult to distinguish from each other by visual perception only (cremello vs. perlino). Therefore, the best way to avoid red factors being present, in the absence of genetic testing, is to choose a bay that has never produced a chestnut, palomino, cremello, black, smoky black or smoky cream foal. This will give you the highest percentage of producing a buckskin foal, with the dominant E gene expressed even when "e" is present in your double cream dilution parent.
When breeding for color, good conformation and temperament should also be a priority. Do not forget these attributes, which, when lacking, will decrease a horse's market value. Choose horses with superior conformation and temperament and, if possible, outstanding records of performance in the show ring. Provide good husbandry care of your stock and adequate training to ensure good marketability with a solid future regardless of the foal's color.
How to Breed Buckskin Horses for Color
Buckskin is a popular color in the horse market. To breed for the buckskin color, research of equine color genetics is essential. You should also study how to breed quality horses (good conformation and temperament), as well as how to provide good care and adequate training. This ensures the best chance at a successful breeding business. Breeding for color takes preparation and an overall balance of genetic traits desirable in a horse.