The Red Charolais Explained The white coloration of Charolais results from Charolais processing a double set of “SIVL” diluter genes. Nearly all Charolais are homo- zygous for the two genes making them dilute to white. Rarely though a pure Charolais is born without these diluter genes resulting in them be- ing red. “Charolais cattle are red but posses two alleles for dilution which results in a white coat color.” (OKLAHOMA STATE UNIVERSITY) “Variants in the PMEL17 gene cause a color dilu- tion from red or black to pale cream or white coat color.” (UC DAVIS) The explanation from the Charolais Society of Australia LTD states “Rather than thinking of Charolais having the diluter genes making the cattle white or not, we need to recognize that the diluter gene, just as its name suggests, dilutes the Red base coloring rather than rids it.” “There are only two basic coat colors – black and red.” “To reiterate, the genetics that influence the white color of Charolais is known as the diluter gene which effectively masks the Red base color and allows the Charolais the distinctive color of white.” What these explanations all agree on is that the true base color of Charolais is Red. However, Charolais are nearly always homozygous for a double set of diluter genes making them white. On rare occasions a pure Charolais is born as a non-diluter which results in the animal keeping its base color of Red, thus the Red Charolais. There is a common misconception that Red Charolais are bred up from another breed. They are not, they are pure Charolais that are diluter free. The reason that Charolais are not affected by cancer eye is that their skin is pigmented as a red animal, but their hair color has been diluted to white, much different than the white head of a Hereford. It should be noted that a white Shorthorn does not have a diluter gene but is acutally a whitened roan. When you look at a typical Charolais animal, you are actually look- ing at a Red Charolais that has diluted to white.
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