San Clemente Island Goat Color Definitions
Note: Scroll to the bottom of the page for the quick color guide.
Credits: This document relies heavily on the work of and consultation with Dr. Phil Sponenberg and his understanding of goat color genetics. It was influenced by Cris Waller's paper on Nigerian Dwarf color genetics and brought to life by Laurel Sherrie's artwork. Many thanks to the San Clemente Island Goat breeders who provided pictures and pedigrees.
Introduction
SCIGBA Board members wrote this SCI goat color white paper to provide a foundation to more accurately describe our beloved goats. The SCIGBA Board is extremely grateful to Dr. Phil Sponenberg for sharing his expertise and time helping us understand the science and translate it to a description that all breeders can understand and embrace. The goal is for our SCI community to gather data that advances our understanding of goat color genetics. The information in this document is subject to change based on new findings and information. Stay tuned and feel free to contribute your findings to the SCIGBA.
What factors make up a goat’s “color”?
Color in goats is expressed in their hair by a combination of Black/Brown (Eumelanin) and Tan (Phaeomelanin) Pigments, affected by certain degrees of Dilution, arranged in one or more Patterns and overlayed with white Spotting.
In San Clemente Island Goats the Black/Brown (Eumelanin), Tan (Phaeomelanin) Pigments, and the effect of Dilution are typically visible in the areas shown in the picture below.
