W20 white markings (W20)
Summary
W20 is a version of the KIT gene that is thought to cause relatively subtle white markings such as a blaze and socks - and sometimes even less white. It has a white-increasing effect when it is inherited in combination with other white marking genes, particularly sabino 1 and the other W genes.
W20 has been found in a very wide range of horse breeds. The following are just some of the horse and pony breeds where some individuals have tested positive to W20: Thoroughbreds, Welsh Ponies, Quarter Horses, Appaloosas, Warmbloods, Gypsy horses, Clydesdales, Noriker, Miniature Horses... the list goes on.
If your horse has a blaze and one or more socks, or perhaps a few white belly spots that have not been explained by other white marking genes, test for W20 as well as W34 and sabino 1.
Gene or region and technical reference
Gene: KIT (causative). Reference: Hauswirth et al. (2013)
Reported alleles
n. Test developed using animal controls.
W20. Test developed using animal cases.
Panels: groups of tests that are often ordered together
This test is in the Arabian health & colour panel.
This test is in the full colour panel.
This test is in the Gypsy health & colour panel.
This test is in the Miniature health & colour panel.
This test is in the patterns panel.
This test is in the QH health & colour panel.
Fred, a Warmblood, is homozygous for W20. He has four socks, a blaze, a belly splash and birdcatcher spots.
