Genetics - Inheritance of Fleece Color in Soay Sheep

Not a lot is known for certain regarding the inheritance of fleece color in sheep, and most specifically in Soay sheep, despite the fact that Soay sheep have been around for thousands of years.

We do know that the dark mouflon pattern, also known as "dark phase," is dominant.  Solid colors, also known as "self colored", are recessive in Soay sheep.  The lighter mouflon pattern known as "tan," "blonde," or "light phase" is also recessive. Beyond this, very little is known for certain, and a number of SOA members are breeding for various fleece colors and patterns in order to learn more about inheritance in Soay sheep.

LINKS:

• Color Genetics in Soay Sheep written specifically for SOA by Dr Phil Sponenberg.
  

• Genetics of a Coat Colour Polymorphism in Soay Sheep; research by Bethan Lowder, undergraduate MBiolSci Biology student at the University of Sheffield.
  

• A Basic Primer on Genetics provided by a Shetland breeder specifically for Shetland and Icelandic sheep owners, this link includes 4 really basic pages that explain sheep genetics for the layman.
  

Website owned and created by

Soays of America, Inc.

Copyright 2001 - 2009