Curly Coat with or without hypotrichosis (SP6/KRT25-related) - Horse

What does this test analyse?

This analysis combines two subtests for Curly Coat in horses: an SP6 variant and a KRT25 variant. The trait is also described as curly coat, curled coat, hypotrichosis and, in some lines, Curly Horse coat type.

What does it mean for the horse?

Curly Coat changes hair structure and can produce a clearly curly, wavy or differently textured coat. Depending on the allele combination, a horse may show curly coat only or curly coat together with signs of hypotrichosis, such as sparser hair or altered mane and tail hair.

Because more than one variant can contribute to the visible trait, a panel is more informative than a single subtest. Combining SP6 and KRT25 helps breeders understand which coat variant is present and how the result can be used in breeding plans.

Practical value of this test

• Tests two known genetic routes for Curly Coat in horses.
• Helps distinguish curly coat with and without increased hypotrichosis risk.
• Supports selection for coat traits while reducing surprises in offspring.
• Gives breeders clearer information than one isolated variant when both loci matter.

Inheritance and result

The tested Curly Coat variants act dominantly in coat presentation, while the final appearance is influenced by the combination of both loci. The SP6 and KRT25 results should therefore be interpreted together.