Name: Zilververdunning (appelschimmel)
Brand: Equigerminal
Price: 43.05 EUR

Productformulier

Zilververdunning (appelschimmel)

DNA-test De genetische test bevestigt de aanwezigheid van de Silver vachtverdunningsmodifier. De genetische variant Silver wordt bij sommige rassen in...

€43.05 Incl. BTW

About

This DNA test detects the Silver (Z) coat colour dilution variant, a dominant genetic trait that dilutes black pigment in horses. In several breeds, the Silver variant is also associated with Multiple Congenital Ocular Anomalies (MCOA), making this test valuable for both coat colour prediction and breeding management.

Why test?

Testing is recommended to:

Identify horses carrying the Silver (Z) variant.
Predict Silver coat colour inheritance.
Assess the genetic risk of Multiple Congenital Ocular Anomalies (MCOA).
Support responsible breeding decisions.
Prevent mating combinations that may increase the risk of severe ocular abnormalities.

Clinical signs

Horses carrying the Silver variant may develop ocular abnormalities associated with MCOA, including:

Iris cysts
Corneal abnormalities
Cataracts
Abnormal pupil shape
Reduced vision in severe cases

Clinical severity is generally greater in homozygous (Z/Z) horses than in heterozygous (N/Z) horses.

Transmission

The Silver variant is inherited as an autosomal dominant trait. Horses carrying one copy (N/Z) have a 50% chance of passing the variant to their offspring, while homozygous horses (Z/Z) will transmit the variant to 100% of their progeny.

Prevention

There is no treatment to prevent inheritance of the Silver variant. Genetic testing before breeding allows informed mating decisions and helps reduce the likelihood of producing offspring at increased risk of severe MCOA.

Results

The DNA test verifies the presence of the silver gene and presents results as one of the following:

N/ – Negative for Silver - No evidence of the genetic variant for Silver. No risk to develop Multiple Congenital Ocular Abnormalities (MCOA) associated to Silver.
Z/N - Heterozygous for Silver - The Black and Bay basic coat colour will be diluted by Silver. Black-based horses will be chocolate with flaxen mane and tail. Bay-based horses will have pigment on lower legs lightened and flaxen mane and tail. No effect on chestnut color. Moderate risk to develop MCOA.
Z/ – Homozygous for Silver - Two copies of altered sequence detected. Black-based horses will be chocolate with flaxen mane and tail. Bay-based horses will have pigment on lower legs lightened and flaxen mane and tail. No effect on chestnut color, but will pass the variant on to 100% of offspring. Higher risk to develop severe MCOA.

Sample

30 to 40 - hair roots - envelope or 5 mL - blood - K3 EDTA tube

Send your sample by regular mail or express delivery to:

Equigerminal Lab HIESE
Rua da Quinta do Sobreiro Nº25
3230-343 Penela, Portugal

Turnaround

2 to 5 working days

How it works

🛒 Purchase the test: select and buy the test online.

📧 Receive instructions: after payment confirmation you receive sample collection instructions by e-mail.

✨ Collect the sample yourself: pull 20 to 40 hair roots with the bulb attached, or ask your veterinarian to collect blood in a K3-EDTA tube.

📄 Complete the form: print and complete the submission form with the animal identification.

📮 Send it to the laboratory: Equigerminal, S.A., HIESE, Rua da Quinta do Sobreiro, 25, Quinta Vale do Espinhal, 3230-343 Penela, PORTUGAL.

📄 Receive your report: your certified report is issued as soon as the analysis is validated.

FAQs

Which horses should be tested?

Testing is recommended for horses from breeds known to carry the Silver variant or when planning breeding involving Silver-coloured horses.

Does the Silver gene affect all coat colours?

No. The Silver variant only dilutes black pigment. Chestnut horses can carry the mutation without showing any visible coat colour change.

Does every Silver horse develop eye disease?

Not necessarily. Horses carrying the Silver variant have an increased genetic risk of Multiple Congenital Ocular Anomalies (MCOA), with homozygous horses generally being more severely affected.

Which samples are accepted?

The test can be performed using 30–40 hair roots or 5 mL of blood collected in a K3 EDTA tube.

When will I receive my results?

Results are available within 2 to 5 working days after sample arrival at the laboratory.

More

The Silver dilution affects only black pigment (eumelanin) and therefore modifies the appearance of black and bay horses, while chestnut horses (e/e) can carry the variant without showing any visible coat colour change.

The mutation has been identified in several breeds, including Rocky Mountain Horses, Icelandic Horses, Quarter Horses, Morgans, Shetland Ponies, Miniature Horses, and others.

References:

Brunberg, E., Andersson, L., Cothran, G., Sandberg, K., Mikko, S., Lindgren, G.: A missense mutation in PMEL17 is associated with the silver coat color in the horse. BMC Genetics 7:46, 2006.

Andersson, L.S., Wilbe, M., Viluma, A., Cothran, G., Ekesten, B., Ewart, S., Lindgren, G.: Equine Multiple Congenital Ocular Anomalies and Silver Coat Colour Result from the Pleiotropic Effects of Mutant PMEL. PLoS One 8:e75639, 2013.