Appaloosa Horse Club Now Offers 5-Panel Testing, Leopard Complex Testing

The Appaloosa Horse Club now offers 5-panel testing including PSSM1, HERDA, HYPP, MH, GBED. Owners can call the ApHC at (208) 882-5578 ext. 300 or visit http://www.appaloosa.com/pdfs/HYPP_DNAKitOrderform.pdf to print an order form.

LP Testing

Horses eligible for N registration classification or registered a N or CN may now apply for advancement to Regular (#) classification through Leopard Complex (LP) genetic testing, if all genetic testing and advancement requirements are met. See Rule 239.E of the 2016 Official Handbook of the Appaloosa Horse Club.

If an owner of a non-characteristic (N or CN) classified ApHC-registered Appaloosa wishes to have LP testing for the purpose of possible advancement to Regular (#) classification the non-characteristic (N) registered horse must be DNA parentage verified and LP tested using the same sample.

LEOPARD COMPLEX (LP) GENE- The single gene believed to be responsible for the ability of Appaloosas to produce the full spectrum of coat patterns, from solid to white with spots over entire body. This gene was termed LP for “leopard complex” by Dr. D. Phillip Sponenberg in 1982, and was described as an autosomal, incomplete dominate gene.

Horses negative for the LP gene (N/N) are solid non-characteristic, those with two copies of the gene (LP/LP) are homozygous, and those with a single copy of the gene (LP/N) are heterozygous with phenotypes ranging from solid to white with spots over entire body.

LP/LP Homozygous

Positive for dominant LP gene. Indicates the horse carries two inherited copies. Homozygous LP horses are genetically bound to pass the gene to 100% of their progeny when bred, and all foals will be LP carrying horses.

LP/ N Heterozygous

Positive for dominate LP gene, carrying a single inherited copy. Heterozygous LP horses are statistically likely to pass the gene to 50% of their progeny when bred.

N/N Negative

Negative for the LP gene. Indicates the horse will not pass the LP gene to any of their progeny.

For additional information, contact the ApHC Registration Department at (208) 882-5578 ext. 300.