Nigerian Dwarf Goat Color Genetics

Nigerian Dwarf Goat Color Genetics

The Basics

Nigerian Dwarf goats have some of the most complex color genetics in the goat world. Multiple gene systems work independently but interact visually to create the final coat color. Think of it like layers in image editing software - each gene is a layer that modifies what's underneath.

The Main Gene Systems

1. Extension (E) Locus - The Black Switch

Controls whether black pigment is distributed through the coat.

E^D = Dominant black (black pigment ON)
e = Recessive (allows other colors to show)

Genotype	Result
E	D/E	D	Black base (but patterns can modify this)
E	D/e	Black base, carries non-black
e/e	No black - allows red/tan/cream base

2. Agouti (A) Locus - The Pattern Maker

Creates banding patterns on individual hairs and body patterns. Only visible on black-based goats (E^D carriers).

A^wt = Wild type (Swiss marked/grey pattern)
A^b = Badgerface (black belly, tan body)
A^t = Tan points (black body, tan trim)
a = Recessive black (solid black, no pattern)

3. Brown (B) Locus - Chocolate Modifier

Converts black pigment to brown/chocolate.

B = Normal black
b = Brown/chocolate (recessive)

4. Spotting (S) Locus - White Patches

Creates white markings independent of base color.

S = Solid color
s = Spotted/pied (recessive)

5. Dilution Genes

Various genes can lighten or modify colors (cream, silver, etc.). These are less well understood in goats.

How They Work Together

Key concept: The genes act in ORDER:

Extension determines if you START with black or red/tan
Agouti creates PATTERNS on black
Brown converts black to chocolate
Spotting adds white patches
Dilution lightens everything

Example Combinations

Extension	Agouti	Brown	Spotting	Visual Result
E	D/E	D	a/a	B/B	S/S	Solid black
E	D/e	A	wt/a	B/B	S/S	Grey/Swiss marked (agouti pattern)
E	D/E	D	A	wt/a	b/b	S/S	Chocolate with grey pattern
e/e	any	B/B	S/S	Red/tan/cream (no black to pattern)
E	D/e	A	b/a	B/B	s/s	Badgerface with white spots
E	D/E	D	a/a	B/B	s/s	Black with white spots

Why Surprises Happen

Two grey/cream parents can produce black kids because:

Both parents are E^D/e (carry black)
Their grey/cream comes from agouti patterns or dilution genes
Kid inherits E^D from BOTH parents = E^D/E^D
Kid also inherits a/a (no pattern) = solid black appears

The math: When two E^D/e parents breed:

25% E^D/E^D (can show as black)
50% E^D/e (carries black, may look grey/tan)
25% e/e (no black possible)

Practical Breeding Notes

You cannot predict Nigerian colors with certainty without genetic testing
Keep detailed records across generations to spot carriers
“Hidden” genes can appear after several generations
White spotting is completely independent - can appear on ANY base color
Newborn kids often darken or lighten significantly in first few months

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