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Rex Rabbit Genetics, by Paul Becker
Let’s review our knowledge and "talk genetics" as we examine the development of the Rex fur mutation.
The first Rex were usually crossed with Normal fur breeds. A frequency diagram can be used to give the expected results
from breeding different gene combinations. We start by entering the genotype of the Rex buck vertically on the left side and
then we put the genotype of the Normal furred doe at the top, horizontally:
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Homozygous Normal Fur (F) Doe
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Heterozygous Normal Fur (Ff) Doe
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Homozygous
Normal Fur
(FF) Buck F
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Litter One - All young are Heterozygous Normal Fur.
Each gene pair represents 25% of a litter of four.
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Litter two - All Normal Fur.
50% homozygous and
50% heterozygous.
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Heterozygous Normal Fur (Ff) Doe
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Heterozygous Normal Fur (Ff) Doe
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Heterozygous
Normal Fur
(Ff) Buck F
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Litter 3- 25% Homozygous Normal Fur, 50% Heterozygous Normal Fur, and 25% Rex Fur.
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Litter 4- 50% Heterozygous Normal Fur, 50% Rex Fur.
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The percentages given are mathematical and they hold true over several matings, but may not be accurate for a single breeding.
The diagrams show that it can take several breedings before all kits in a litter show the phenotype of a recessive trait.
Some mutations have been culled from breeding programs and have been lost for development as new alleles.
Practice "talking genetics" with other breeders and make frequency diagrams for your genotype mating combinations. As you
become familiar with the terminology, you can enjoy planning your breeding program with increasing confidence.
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