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Rabbit Color Genetics (Agouti, Extension)

Rabbit coat color is controlled by the 5-gene system: A (agouti), B (brown), C (color), D (dilute), E (extension). Agouti produces banded hairs; extension affects black vs red pigment distribution. Punnett squares predict offspring color probabilities.

Concept Fundamentals
A, B, C, D, E
Genes
Banded hairs
Agouti
Black/red
Extension
Dominant/recessive
Mendelian
Predict Offspring ColorsSelect parent genotypes for each gene

Why This Biology Metric Matters

Why: Understanding rabbit color genetics helps breeders predict litter colors and avoid undesired combinations.

How: Uses 5-gene system with Punnett squares. Each gene has dominant/recessive alleles; combine probabilities across genes.

  • ●A (agouti) locus: agouti produces banded hairs; solid (non-agouti) is recessive.
  • ●E (extension) locus: determines black vs red pigment distribution.
  • ●Multiple genes interact—full color prediction requires all 5 loci.
Sources:House Rabbit SocietyMerck Veterinary Manual
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GENETICS

Rabbit Color Calculator — Offspring Color Prediction

5-gene system (A,B,C,D,E). Punnett square. Mendelian inheritance.

Punnett Square →Dihybrid →
Black × Blue
Black rabbit crossed with Blue rabbit
Agouti × Self
Agouti rabbit crossed with Self (solid) rabbit
Chinchilla × REW
Chinchilla rabbit crossed with Red Eyed White
Chocolate × Black
Chocolate rabbit crossed with Black rabbit

📥 Inputs

Enter Parent Genotypes

Parent 1

A = Agouti, at = Tan pattern, a = Self
B = Black, b = Chocolate
C = Full color, cchd = Chinchilla, cchl = Sable, ch = Pointed white, c = Albino
D = Dense, d = Dilute
E = Extension, ej = Japanese harlequin, e = Non-extension

Parent 2

A = Agouti, at = Tan pattern, a = Self
B = Black, b = Chocolate
C = Full color, cchd = Chinchilla, cchl = Sable, ch = Pointed white, c = Albino
D = Dense, d = Dilute
E = Extension, ej = Japanese harlequin, e = Non-extension

Offspring Color Predictions

Most Likely Color: Chestnut Agouti

Probability: 100.0%

Possible Colors

1

Top Color Probability

100.0%

Dominant Traits

5

Gene Combinations

32

Color Probability Breakdown

ColorProbabilityPercentageGenotype Example
Chestnut Agouti1.0000100.0%A/A B/B C/C D/D E/E

Visual Analysis

Offspring Color Probabilities

Gene Inheritance Patterns

Color Distribution

Gene-by-Gene Analysis

Gene A

Parent 1: A

Parent 2: A

A/A100%

Gene B

Parent 1: B

Parent 2: B

B/B100%

Gene C

Parent 1: C

Parent 2: C

C/C100%

Gene D

Parent 1: D

Parent 2: D

D/D100%

Gene E

Parent 1: E

Parent 2: E

E/E100%

Dominant Traits Present

Agouti patternBlack base colorFull color expressionDense colorFull extension

Calculation Breakdown

1. Parent Genotypes

Parent 1: A=A B=B C=C D=D E=E

Parent 2: A=A B=B C=C D=D E=E

2. Punnett Square Analysis

Calculating all possible gamete combinations for 5 genes

Total possible combinations: 32 = 32

3. Offspring Color Probabilities

Chestnut Agouti: 100.0%

Important Disclaimer: This calculator provides predictions based on Mendelian genetics principles and assumes known parent genotypes. Actual breeding results may vary due to incomplete dominance, epistasis, environmental factors, and genetic modifiers not included in this model. Always verify parent genotypes through genetic testing when possible. This tool is for educational and planning purposes only.

For educational use only. Always confirm dosages and care with a licensed veterinarian.

🧬 Biology Facts

🧬

5-gene system: A (agouti), B (brown), C (color), D (dilute), E (extension).

🐰

Agouti produces banded hairs; solid/non-agouti is recessive.

📊

Extension locus affects black vs red pigment. Punnett squares predict offspring.

🔬

Mendelian inheritance. Combine probabilities across genes for full prediction.

📋 Key Takeaways

  • • 5 genes: A (Agouti), B (Brown), C (Color), D (Dilute), E (Extension).
  • • Punnett squares combine parent alleles. Dominant masks recessive.
  • • 32 combinations possible (2^5). Probabilities sum to 100%.
  • • Genotype = genetic makeup. Phenotype = visible color.

💡 Did You Know?

A gene

Agouti (A), Tan (at), Self (a). Pattern control.

B gene

Black (B) or Chocolate (b). Base color.

C gene

Full color to albino. cchd=Chinchilla, c=REW.

D gene

Dense (D) or Dilute (d). Blue, Lilac.

E gene

Extension (E), Harlequin (ej), Non-ext (e).

Dominant

B/b = black. Only b/b = chocolate.

📖 How Color Genetics Works

Select dominant allele per gene for each parent. Punnett square combines gametes. Dominance hierarchy determines phenotype.

Parent1 × Parent2 → All allele combos → Apply dominance → Phenotype probabilities

🎯 Expert Tips

Breeding for color

Use calculator to plan crosses. Probabilities are statistical—small litters vary.

Heterozygous

A/a can produce A or a gametes. Expands offspring variety.

REW (Albino)

c/c masks all other genes. Red-eyed white.

Epistasis

Some genes interact. Model is simplified.

⚖️ Gene Dominance

GeneAllelesOrder
AA, at, aA > at > a
BB, bB > b
CC, cchd, cchl, ch, cC > cchd > cchl > ch > c
DD, dD > d
EE, ej, eE > ej > e

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

What are the five main rabbit color genes?

A (Agouti), B (Brown), C (Color), D (Dilute), E (Extension). Each has alleles with dominance hierarchy. A controls pattern (agouti vs self), B controls black vs chocolate, C controls full color to albino.

How is rabbit offspring color predicted?

Using Punnett squares for each gene. Combine parent alleles. Dominant masks recessive. 32 combinations possible (2^5). Probabilities multiply across genes. Genotype = genetic makeup, phenotype = visible color.

What is the accuracy of color predictions?

Based on Mendelian genetics. Assumes known parent genotypes. Epistasis and modifiers not fully modeled. Small litters vary statistically. Verify genotypes when possible.

How do dominant and recessive alleles work?

Dominant expressed when paired with recessive. B/b phenotype = black. b/b = chocolate. A (agouti) dominates at (tan) dominates a (self). C gene: C > cchd > cchl > ch > c.

Can I breed for a specific rabbit color?

Yes. Use Punnett squares to plan crosses. Probabilities are statistical—small litters vary. REW (c/c) masks all other genes. Plan multiple generations for complex colors.

What is genotype vs phenotype in rabbits?

Genotype = allele combination (e.g., B/b). Phenotype = visible trait (black). B/b and B/B both show black. b/b shows chocolate. Phenotype depends on dominant allele.

📊 By the Numbers

5
Main genes
32
Max combinations
A>at>a
A gene order
B>b
B gene

Disclaimer: Predictions based on Mendelian genetics. Incomplete dominance, epistasis, and modifiers not fully modeled. Verify genotypes when possible. Educational use.

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