Product Description

Equine Color Genetics, Third Edition, presents the most recent advances in color genetics for breeders of horses, donkeys, and mules. The book provides valuable information that enables breeders to tailor their breeding programs to maximize desired color outcomes and minimize undesired color. The text bridges the gap between the scientific and lay communities without ignoring the intricate and complex issues involved in horse and donkey color genetics. This new edition presents more explicit and detailed explanations than were previously possible, including a more extensive Appaloosa section. The section on donkey colors includes the results of studies in the genetic control of color in this species, which will greatly assist donkey breeders as they tailor breeding programs to their own goals.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #315777 in Books
• Published on: 2009-02-20
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 296 pages

Review
“This update... has a considerable amount of new information.... the author has succeeded in producing the definitive work on coat color in horses. This excellent book is unique in its field for its breadth and depth. The color photographs alone make it worth its moderate price. The new edition is necessary for anyone interested in the updated material on the genetics of coat color. I recommend it to horse breeders, animal scientists, and geneticists who are interested in a fascinating and convoluted topic.” Doody’s Reviews, September 2009

"A fascinating book, filled with color photos of really beautiful horse and donkey colors, some I never knew existed, and many unusual and beautiful breeds. In addition, there are numerous charts of color breeding expectations and effects of colors on colors." – Veterinary Information Network

“The latest advances in color genetics for breeders of horses, donkeys and mules provides a blend of science and owner′s guide and provides vets and equine breeders with many specifics including discussions of five new colors.” – Midwest Book Review, July 2009

From the Back Cover
Equine Color Genetics, Third Edition, presents the most recent advances in color genetics for breeders of horses, donkeys, and mules. The book provides valuable information that enables breeders to tailor their breeding programs to maximize desired color outcomes and minimize undesired color. The text bridges the gap between the scientific and lay communities without ignoring the intricate and complex issues involved in horse and donkey color genetics. This new edition presents more explicit and detailed explanations than were previously possible, including a more extensive Appaloosa section. The section on donkey colors includes the results of studies in the genetic control of color in this species, which will greatly assist donkey breeders as they tailor breeding programs to their own goals.

About the Author
D. Phillip Sponenberg, DVM, PhD, is professor of pathology and genetics at the Virginia–Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, and has worked in the field of animal color genetics for nearly three decades. His work with rare breed conservation, largely through the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy, has provided ample opportunity to pursue the variations and details of color in several uncommon but important breeds.

Customer Reviews

Good genetics, but lacks more photos.
I looked very much forward to receiving this book, as I've been a horse color enthusiast for a long time. It is a great "Bible" for the people studying horse colors, a very good reference. What I would have wanted to see were more pictures, both of common colors and rare colors. When in doubt about what color a particular horse is, pictures are a very valuable help.

Invaluable resource for breeders who are interested in color
As a breeder of Quarter Horses and Paints, I've found this book to be an excellent tool to help make breeding decisions. It has also proven to be an extrememly accurate predictor of the color of foals from a particular mating.

Exactly what the title says.
A fascinating book for the REALLY committed enthusiast of this subject, but a complicated read - especially the sections about genetic control. Extensive and interesting text which could have been improved by the addition of more coloured photographs of better overall technical quality. I do not agree with some of the listed genotypes, which I think many people could find most confusing. There does not appear to be a list of gene designations, which would have been very useful if only to explain them more clearly.

The bibliography is excellent, but, unfortunately, this book does not contain an index. I think that this is a serious omission.