Turnaround time
10 workdays
48.4
40
DNA marker panel for A-locus / agouti coat colour in alpacas, assessing three ASIP markers.
Overview
This DNA analysis assesses three ASIP markers at the A-locus, also called the agouti locus, in alpacas: ASIP_325-381del57, ASIP_C292T and ASIP_G353A. The ASIP gene influences the distribution of dark eumelanin and lighter phaeomelanin in the fibre. In alpacas these markers are mainly used in relation to black or dark eumelanic fibre colour and the broader agouti colour model.
The result helps identify known ASIP markers in breeding animals and gives stronger support for colour planning. This is useful when black, dark or agouti-related fibre colours are relevant to a breeding goal. Alpaca coat colour is influenced by several loci, so this analysis reports the genotype for the tested markers rather than predicting the complete final coat colour on its own.
Included subanalyses
This analysis includes the following subanalyses:
Allele combinations & result interpretations
Below, for each tested locus, you will find the possible allele combinations that may be reported within this analysis, together with a brief explanation of their genetic meaning. The interpretation of possible interactions between different loci is included in the report, but is not shown here in full because that would lead to too many combinations on this page. The final expression may also depend on other genes and their interaction.
Genotype / allele combination: No tested black-fibre marker detected
This alpaca has no copy of the tested ASIP_325-381del57 marker. For this marker, the result gives no indication of the ASIP-linked black-fibre factor; also review a2, a3 and the E-locus for complete colour planning.
Genotype / allele combination: Carrier of one tested ASIP marker
This alpaca carries one copy of the ASIP_325-381del57 marker. This is practically important: the animal can pass on this black-fibre marker and, together with other A-locus markers, can contribute to darker or black fibre potential in offspring.
Genotype / allele combination: Homozygous positive for the tested ASIP marker
This alpaca is homozygous positive for ASIP_325-381del57. This is a strong positive A-locus marker result for dark or black fibre potential. The visible final colour still depends especially on the E-locus and other coat-colour genes.
Genotype / allele combination: No tested black-fibre marker detected
This alpaca has the reference genotype for ASIP_C292T. This specific black-fibre marker is therefore not detected. For a complete picture, the other ASIP markers and the E-locus should also be assessed.
Genotype / allele combination: Carrier of one tested ASIP marker
This alpaca carries one copy of the ASIP_C292T marker. The animal is a carrier and can pass this marker on. Together with other A-locus markers, this can increase the chance of darker or black fibre colour in breeding.
Genotype / allele combination: Homozygous positive for the tested ASIP marker
This alpaca is homozygous positive for ASIP_C292T. This indicates a clear A-locus marker for black or dark fibre potential. For colour planning, this is especially relevant when the E-locus allows functional eumelanin production.
Genotype / allele combination: No tested black-fibre marker detected
This alpaca has the reference genotype for ASIP_G353A. This specific A-locus marker for dark or black fibre potential is not detected; interpret it together with a1, a2 and the E-locus.
Genotype / allele combination: Carrier of one tested ASIP marker
This alpaca carries one copy of the ASIP_G353A marker. The animal can pass on this black-fibre marker. This is useful information when planning matings where dark or black fibre colour is desired or should be avoided.
Genotype / allele combination: Homozygous positive for the tested ASIP marker
This alpaca is homozygous positive for ASIP_G353A. This is a clear positive marker result for dark or black fibre potential at the A-locus. The final colour still depends on its combination with the E-locus and other coat-colour genes.
Sampling and submission guidelines




Collect the sample cleanly, avoid cross-contamination between animals, and allow swabs to dry completely before shipment.
References