W34 white markings
Summary
W34 is a version of the KIT gene that is thought to cause relatively subtle white markings such as a blaze and socks. It produces larger white markings on red-based colours like chestnut. Like W20, 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.
W34 has been found in a number of horse breeds. The following are just some of the horse and pony breeds where some individuals have tested positive to W34: Arabian, QH, Paint, Warmbloods and Welsh
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 W34 as well as W20 and sabino 1.
Gene or region and technical reference
Gene: KIT (causative). Reference: Rosa et al. (2022)
Reported alleles
n. Test developed using artificial DNA, animal controls.
W34. Test developed using artificial DNA.
Panels: groups of tests that are often ordered together
This test is not in any panels.
Palomino Warmblood mare GL Be Mine has one copy of the W34 gene.
