Using SNP (single nucleotide polymorphism) technology, the researchers of www.appaloosaprogect.info have identified 3 SNPs associated with presence of LP (the main “gene” coding for “appaloosa” coloring and/or characteristics)… Clearly, this may lead to a commercially available test for identifying LP!
Here’s the link to the information recently announced:
That would be incredibly awesome in many ways.
First, you’d know for sure if those born looking “solid” actually are carrying the gene.
And even more importantly, if a breeder does NOT want blingy spots, they can be assured that a solid mare is NOT carrying it. Might bring Knabstruppers a bit closer to being accepted some day in the other warmblood registries, as it removes the excuse that “we don’t WANT that color”.
Now, the next step is to identify the PATN gene!
wait… why would you want knabs allowed in other WB breed registries? Frankly all the wb registries are so mishmashed bloodwise these days, I think it’s pretty nice to see knabs still ‘unique’. 
OH, I like the Knabs as Knabs as well. But there are those who would like to have a horse with mostly (let’s say) Hanoverian blood, but with spots. And the Knabs are not really unique. They are a blend of lots of warmblood lines. Especially the sporthorse type Knabstruppers.
Sure the LP testing would be nice
BUT the one that we really need/want is the PATN test, that’s the one that tends to hide.
LP usually shows itself sooner or later.
MW
PATN1 is definitely the delicious “icing on the cake”!!!
Yes!!! :yes:
PATN1 identification and characterization would be quite useful for breeders, especially to identify which solid, non-LP, non-characteristic horses may be carrying this important modifier… :winkgrin:
But at least with LP you can make definitive statements about a true snowcap or fewspot vs. some horses that APPEAR to be snowcap/fewspots (luckily I have a true snowcap!)
Okay, I’m ignorant. What is PATN supposed to do to color? I do know that LP is Leopard Pattern–ie spots.
I have a varnish roan part App. Got her when she was old, and I’ve been wondering if she might have had a blanket before she roaned out. It’s purely academic, but are blankets and varnish roan mutually exclusive?
She could probably have been registered Appaloosa even with her unknown breeding because she has all the markers–striped hooves, mottled genitals and nose, eyes with sclera that make her look positively human when she looks at you, and the classic varnish roan.
vineyridge. The ApHC will not give registration papers to a mare with unknown breeding. They will sometimes do a hardship registry for a gelding (who cannot be bred) that show Appy color.
LP is the spotting gene which is dominant. It either passes or not.
PATN is so important because it controls HOW the spots will express - leopard, blanket, snowflakes, etc.
Without the PATN, the horse will look solid, even though it carries the spotting gene. You may see white schlera, striped hooves or some mottled skin here and there, but the coat will be solid.
The varnish characteristic is still a true mystery.
Not exactly true, they will give papers to a mare of unknown (or non- registereable breeds, since only ApHC, TB’s, QH’s and Arabs can be outcrossed to) breeding IF it is spayed
She’s 26, and at the time she should have been registered, they were accepting (I think) color only. From what I was told, she is 1/2 QH and 1/2 App. There might be someone around who knows her actual breeding.
Ok, yeah, if she is spayed, but really, how many of those are there??? LOL!
This makes me so happy that they are one step closer! However, a test for PATN1 would be fantastic!
I’ll be one of the first in line to test my mare when/if the test comes out.
Ignorant is not a word I would ever use to describe you!
[QUOTE=vineyridge;5225262]
Okay, I’m ignorant. What is PATN supposed to do to color? I do know that LP is Leopard Pattern–ie spots.
I have a varnish roan part App. Got her when she was old, and I’ve been wondering if she might have had a blanket before she roaned out. It’s purely academic, but are blankets and varnish roan mutually exclusive?
She could probably have been registered Appaloosa even with her unknown breeding because she has all the markers–striped hooves, mottled genitals and nose, eyes with sclera that make her look positively human when she looks at you, and the classic varnish roan.[/QUOTE]
LOL!!! Seriously Viney, you have more of an encylopedic mind of anyone I’ve "chatted with on any online forum! :yes:
None the less, if the genetics of the Appaloosa (and Knabstrupper) is a new topic for you, I have all the confidence in the world that you can master it…
Basically, LP is the gene (still to be elucidated) that codes for the breed characteristics and/or “color”… It actually stands for Leopard complex, with the letters L and P both coming from the word, Leopard. And, a horse that has LP (whether or not one or two copies is a different thing to discuss) “looks” a certain way due to the PATTERN MODIFYING genes, or PATNs, it also inherits… There are probaby a gazillion PATNs… But, one in particular, PATN1, is associated with the actual LEOPARD coat pattern (i.e., all those nose to toes spots), and is fairly obvious from examining progeny/parentage data…
(And, now it’s time for me to say my 12 step program mantra… Color is not what we breed for, color is not what we breed for, color is not, is not, is not… :winkgrin: I swear that conformation, movement, and disposition/trainability come first! :eek:)
Basically, the term varnish roan really describes a horse with minimal to no (obvious) coat pattern, usually they are born solid, but with characteristics… stripped hooves, sclerae, mottling around nose, eyes, genitalia, etc… and, they tend to “roan in” over time… Of course, most horses with LP, irregardless of their coat pattern (snowflake, blanket with spots, snowcap blanket, etc…) will “roan” over time…
So, before I mis-speak, take a look at the wonderful website:
www.appaloosaproject.info
Though it does costs a yearly subscription fee to participate in many of the website activities, there’s still alot of information available for the casual visitor… So, enjoy! 
Very interesting , good example of the importance of pattn1!!
So… Anyone PATN 1 tested yet?
Are there any stallions that are suspected to be homozygous for PATN and LP?
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