Taffy/silver/eye abnormalities (silver)
Summary
Silver (taffy) coat colours include the eye-catching black silver (aka silver dapple) and bay silver.
The silver gene alters the distribution of black pigment but does not affect red. This means that the effect of the silver gene is not visible on chestnut horses and other colours that have no black, such as palomino.
In addition to its effect on colour the silver gene is thought to cause eye abnormalities in some silver horses (not all). These are referred to as multiple congenital ocular abnormalities (MCOA). These abnormalities can affect vision. Horses with two copies of the silver gene are substantially more likely to show signs of MCOA than those with one copy of the gene.
Gene or region and technical reference
Gene: PMEL (causative). Reference: Brunberg et al., 2006
Reported alleles
n. Test developed using animal controls.
Z. Test developed using animal cases.
Panels: groups of tests that are often ordered together
This test is in the full colour panel.
This test is in the dilutions panel.
This test is in the Gypsy health & colour panel.
This test is in the Miniature health & colour panel.
This test is in the QH health & colour panel.
This test is in the Shetland Pony colour panel.
This handsome silver stallion is Gillean of Liosmor aka Silver. He is a Highland Pony. Thank-you to Rosemarkie Highland Ponies for sharing this beautiful picture.
