Equine Color Genetics [Hardcover]

D. Phillip Sponenberg (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0813829054 | ISBN-13: 978-0813829050 | Publication Date: January 15, 1996 | Edition: 1st

Teaches how to accurately identify horses by using color. A separate section covers donkey color.

Editorial Reviews

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 --This text refers to an alternate Hardcover edition.

From the Back Cover

Equine Color Genetics, Second Edition presents the most recent advances in color genetics to horse, donkey, and mule breeders, enabling breeders to tailor their breeding programs to maximize desired color outcomes and minimize undesired color outcomes. The book’s format bridges the gap between the scientific and lay communities without ignoring the intricate and complex issues involved in horse and donkey color genetics.

Equine Color Genetics

Provides an explanation of genetic mechanisms that determine colors

Discusses colors in sequence from less common to more common

Explains each color through the interactions of genetic phenomena that build the colors step by step

Examines patterns of white hair that may be superimposed on colors

Touches on folklore associated with horse colors

Treats donkey color in a separate section

The second edition presents more explicit and detailed explanations than were previously possible, as well as recently documented colors and combinations. The section on donkey colors includes the results of recent studies into the genetic control of color in this species, which will greatly assist donkey breeders as they tailor breeding programs to their own goals.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 168 pages
• Publisher: Wiley; 1st edition (January 15, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0813829054
• ISBN-13: 978-0813829050
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (19 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,321,257 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars THE best book on color genetics for horses, November 22, 1999

By 

Jennifer Sneed "valiantstables" (Callender, IA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Equine Color Genetics (Hardcover)

If there was any one good book focusing on the genetics of horse color, this book is it! It's the best and most accurate book I have found on the subject, and it covers all equine colors from the basics to the more rare colors. A must have for anyone intersted in horse color research! It even includes donkey colors. HIGHLY RECCOMMENED!

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Sponenberg Makes Easy a Complex Topic, August 15, 2001

By 

Lisa McDonald (College Station, Texas United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Equine Color Genetics (Hardcover)

The topic of horse coloration has confounded breeders for centuries. Phil Sponenberg has taken a very complex topic and has broken it down into easily understood parts. The pictures grab you by the eyes and inspire equine artists as well as breeders. The various modes of inheritance were well explained and easily understood. The photos allow the reader to distinguish even fine points of difference between two animals. This book is a must for the serious horse person.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Exactly what the title says., November 30, 2000

By 

Carole Knowles-pfeiffer "Carole Knowles-Pfeiffer" (Plymouth England) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Equine Color Genetics (Hardcover)

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, unfortuately, this book does not contain an index. I think that this is a serious omission.