Eye Of The Tiger: Genetic Reason Behind ‘Tiger Eye’ Discovered

News — Sun, 21 Feb 2021 22:24:03 +0000

Equine eyes have evolved and adapted in very specific ways to allow the flight animals the best possible advantage. There are some changes to the eyes that aren't easily explained, like the creation of “tiger eyes” in Puerto Rican Paso Fino horses. “Tiger eye” refers to horse eyes that have yellow, amber or bright orange coloring.

Researchers at the University of California-Davis have discovered two genetic mutations responsible for the unusual eye color that is desired by Paso Fino breeders. The tiger eye trait is autosomal recessive, meaning one copy of the mutated gene must be inherited from each parent.

Most tiger-eyed horses have inherited two copies of the Tiger-eye 1 allele, but some have one copy of each mutation (Tiger-eye 1 and Tiger-eye 2). The researchers tested 196 related breeds and have not found the mutation in any other breed but the Puerto Rican Paso Fino.

UC-Davis now offers a genetic test for tiger eye. This test allows breeders desiring a tiger-eyed horse to strategically plan pairings.

paso fino | Horse Racing Free Tips

Eye Of The Tiger: Genetic Reason Behind ‘Tiger Eye’ Discovered