Rabbit Color Genetics Calculator
Estimate the probability of common offspring coat-color phenotypes from the sire's and dam's five principal color loci: A, B, C, D, and E.
Parent inputs
Sire genotype
Dam genotype
Live result
Possible offspring colors and genes
| Possible color | Probability | Representative associated genotype |
|---|
How to use the rabbit color genetics calculator
What this calculator does
This tool estimates the distribution of common rabbit coat-color phenotypes produced by two parents. It models independent inheritance at the A, B, C, D, and E loci, combines one allele from the sire with one from the dam at each locus, and groups the resulting genotypes into familiar color names. It is a planning and learning aid, not a pedigree certificate, breed-standard ruling, or guarantee of the colors in a particular litter. Modifying genes such as broken, Vienna, Dutch, silvering, wideband, steel, and harlequin are outside this compact model.
When to use it
Use it to compare a proposed mating, explain why recessive colors may reappear, check how a dilute or chocolate allele changes expected colors, or prepare a classroom Punnett-square exercise. The underlying logic follows allele segregation and independent assortment; the NCBI overview of Mendelian dominance and segregation provides useful background.
How to calculate
- The calculator opens with a complete demonstration: a black sire and a blue dam. The result table and Excel workbook are immediately available.
- Under Input method, keep Color presets for a quick estimate or select Genotypes when you know the allele pair at each locus.
- For presets, replace Sire color and Dam color. For genotypes, choose the A, B, C, D, and E pair for both parents. Results update immediately.
- Read Most likely color, Probability, Possible colors, and the detailed table. Select Download Excel to export the current inputs and all probabilities.
- Reset clears the demonstration and all parent data. Download Excel is then disabled until a complete valid state is entered again.
Input guide
Input method is required and accepts either Color presets or Genotypes. Presets are convenient examples, while Genotypes provide explicit allele pairs. Sire color and Dam color are required preset selections; for example, “Black” represents aa BB CC DD EE. Changing either parent can add, remove, or redistribute offspring colors. A common mistake is treating a visible color as proof of every hidden allele; a black rabbit may carry brown, dilute, albino, or non-extension alleles that a simple preset cannot reveal.
In genotype mode, the required A locus controls agouti versus self pattern, B locus controls black versus chocolate pigment, C locus controls full color, chinchilla, sable, Himalayan, or albino expression, D locus controls dense versus dilute pigment, and E locus controls extension versus non-extension. Each value is a diploid allele pair, not a percentage. For example, Dd means dense in appearance while carrying dilute. Select the exact pair when known; guessing a homozygous pair can make the output appear more certain than the pedigree supports.
Output guide
Most likely color is the phenotype with the largest combined probability. Probability is its expected share of offspring under this model. Possible colors counts phenotypes with a nonzero probability. Sire genotype and Dam genotype show the exact five-locus inputs used. In the table, Possible color names the grouped phenotype, Probability gives its expected percentage, and Representative associated genotype shows one genotype path from that group. A zero means the phenotype is impossible under the selected allele pairs; a high percentage means it is more likely per offspring, not guaranteed in a small litter.
Worked example
The startup example crosses a black sire, aa BB CC DD EE, with a blue dam, aa BB CC dd EE. At A, B, C, and E, every offspring receives the same phenotype-determining alleles. At D, every kit receives D from the sire and d from the dam, so all are Dd and therefore dense rather than dilute. The first-open result is consequently Black at 100.00%, with one possible color. The workbook records those parent genotypes and the same 100.00% result.
How the five-locus model works
Each parent contributes one allele at each locus. The calculator creates the possible allele pairs and multiplies their probabilities across loci, an application of independent assortment. Dominance affects the visible phenotype, while segregation determines which allele is passed. The distinction between genotype and phenotype is important; the NCBI introduction to classic Mendelian inheritance explains how alleles and observable traits differ.
The C series has a dominance hierarchy rather than a simple two-allele pair. In this model the order is full color, chinchilla, sable, Himalayan, and albino. The phenotype mapper applies C-series effects first because reduced pigment can mask what the A, B, D, or E loci would otherwise display. Then it applies non-extension, pattern, pigment color, and dilution rules.
Limits and responsible interpretation
Rabbit coat color is richer than five independent loci. Linkage, modifiers, incomplete pedigree knowledge, breed-specific naming, expression differences, and unmodeled genes can alter the observed coat. Expected percentages describe many hypothetical offspring, while a real litter may contain only a few kits. For general rabbit breeding and husbandry context, consult a qualified breeder and veterinarian; the MSD Veterinary Manual rabbit health overview is a useful health reference, although it is not a color-genetics guide.