Classic Grey (Alpaca)
Classic Grey (Alpaca)
General description
The classic grey phenotype in alpacas is characterized by a greying of the coat, which leads to a lightening of the original base color of the animal. The pattern is inherited in an autosomal dominant manner and is most likely homozygous non-viable. Therefore, the mating of two alpacas with the Classic Grey phenotype should be avoided at all costs.
Breeds
Alpaca
Order details
| Test number | 8982 |
| Sample material | 0.5 ml EDTA blood, 2x cheek swab, 1x special swab (eNAT) |
| Test duration | 7-14 working days |
Test specifications
| Gene | KIT |
| Mutation | G-A |
| Literature | OMIA:001216-30538 |
Detailed description
The classic grey phenotype in alpacas is caused by a genetic variant in the KIT gene and manifests itself in a graying of the coat, which leads to a lightening of the animal’s original base color.
Instead of a uniform gray coloration, the phenotype typically appears as a mixture of pigmented and less pigmented fibers, giving the coat a silver-gray appearance. The gray effect overlays the underlying base color, so that animals that are genetically black, brown or beige appear as lighter gray variants of these colors. With white or diluted base colors, the phenotype is less visible or not visible at all due to the already pale color.
The pattern is inherited autosomal-dominantly and is most likely homozygous non-viable (lethal). Therefore, the mating of two alpacas with the Classic Grey phenotype should be avoided at all costs.
