A missense mutation in SLC45A2 is associated with coat color dilution in Dexter cattle

Previously recognized coat colors in Dexter cattle include black, red, and dun; the latter of which is attributed to a recessive mutation of TYRP1. However, cattle that were phenotypically recognized as dun were found to not have the TYRP1 mutation. This study utilized whole-genome sequencing to identify a novel recessive variant in SLC45A2 that explains the dilute coat color in these cattle. Unlike the TYRP1-based dun that only alters an otherwise black coat, the recessive genotype at SCL45A2 also dilutes red cattle to a cream color.