Gene
Steel (Es) is a classical allele of the rabbit extension gene, MC1R, below dominant black (ED) and above normal extension (E). With normal extension (Es/E), an agouti rabbit can show dark hairs with silver or gold tips and a dark belly. Classic crosses found Es/Es rabbits nearly black and Es/e rabbits less clearly ticked. No separate DNA variant distinguishing Es from ED has been established.
Steel (Es) is part of the Extension series: Dominant Black (ED), Steel (Es), Normal Extension (E), Harlequin (ej), Non-extension (e). It shows over Normal Extension (E), Harlequin (ej) and Non-extension (e) and is hidden by Dominant Black (ED).
Breeding studies place steel between dominant black and normal extension; one study found Es/Es looks black and Es/e looks agouti-black, so a steel coat is usually Es with normal extension. Other genotypes can also look steel.
A steel-looking coat does not prove the steel allele: some dominant black and chocolate carrier combinations look steel too.
Illustrations of typical animals, checked against the sources below. Not photos of DNA-tested animals.
Plan a pairing with Steel (Es)
Example: about 1 in 2 Steel per kit at conception (1/2).
One copy of Steel (Es) is recorded; the other allele is not recorded, so its expression is undetermined.
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Guides and articles for Steel (Es) rabbit owners.
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Calculators, generators, and guides preset for Steel (Es) rabbit.
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