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Re: [RC] [RC] white legs - Ed & Wendy Hauser".... You'd think that would lead to higher incidence of lameness and greater instances of becoming dinner for a predator..." It probably did. The white markings on the feet and face of horses are probably an unintended result of domestication. See THE COVENANT OF THE WILD WHY ANIMALS CHOSE DOMESTICATION by Stephen Budiansky May 1999. There are a collection of genes that determine development of the fetus. If one selects in breeding for certain things, for example animals that are tactile, curious and generally have traits that are valuable in a domestic animal, you are usually first selecting among these developmental genes. This quickly sets the retention of a bunch of juvenile traits that people like. Since these same genes control the production of hormones (not the same ones we think of in adult animals) that control color development you tend to end up with no color on the extremities. In the '20's or '30's a Russian scientist wanted to breed Foxes that had the trait of breeding many times a year instead of just in the spring. The increased reproduction would allow the more economical production of fur. His experiment worked. In a relatively few generations he had his foxes that reproduced like dogs. Like dogs, they also barked as adults, and were much easier to handle. Unfortunately, they now had a bunch of white markings on face and feet. Since the fur was worthless the experiments were terminated. If he had then spent many many generations he could have bred the white out, just like we have in some dogs. As far as white being bad for fungus. In 30 years of living in WI fighting scratches, caused by fungus/bacteria (this is different than the stuff that happens in alkaline soil in the South West), I have never seen it on a black pastern. A horse with both colored pasterns will only get it on the white. Ed Ed & Wendy Hauser 2994 Mittower Road Victor, MT 59875 ranch@xxxxxxxxxxx 406.642.6490 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Ridecamp is a service of Endurance Net, http://www.endurance.net. Information, Policy, Disclaimer: http://www.endurance.net/Ridecamp Subscribe/Unsubscribe http://www.endurance.net/ridecamp/logon.asp Ride Long and Ride Safe!! =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
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