Snowdrop coat colour (SLC45A2-related) - Horse

Snowdrop coat colour in horses

This DNA test examines Snowdrop, an SLC45A2-related dilution colour in horses. It detects the c.305G>A variant, also known as the Csno allele. Snowdrop is also described as a recessive cream-like or white dilution variant.

Horses with two Snowdrop alleles can show a strongly diluted, very light coat colour. One copy usually does not produce a clear Snowdrop phenotype, but is important in breeding because the allele can be carried silently.

Inheritance and result

• N/N means the tested Snowdrop variant was not detected.
• N/Csno means the horse is a carrier.
• Csno/Csno causes Snowdrop dilution.

Practical value of this test

The result helps breeders identify hidden Snowdrop carriers, plan colour combinations with other SLC45A2 alleles and explain unexpectedly light foal colours. This gives more certainty for colour selection, mating plans, registration and sales information.