Some interesting features of the breed are the strikingly rich brown to sable coat, which is characteristic of Burmese cats. However, one seems to find itself thinking why these cats are not white, unlike other breeds out there that have this color. Whereas the Matsunaga family never kept white Burmese cats due to the genetic and breed history behind white cats, it gives an insight into genetics in cats and breeding. The Burmese cat does not have a white variant, so in this article, we aim to discuss why this kind of coloration is absent in the Burmese cat.
The Origin of the Burmese Cat
The Burmese cat is actually native to Burma or Myanmar, and the history of the breed starts from the early ages. However, it was organized in the western countries in the early twentieth century. These cats were brought to America by British naval officer Captain Edward Brander in the year 1930. These Burmese soon became popular in the United States, Western Europe, and other parts of the world, and the Burmese cat arrived at the distinct breeds and standards.
One of the characteristics of the Burmese cat is its coat. In the past, all Burmese cats possessed coat colors varying from dark brown to sable. This consistent color pattern has sparked the interest of the breeders as well as geneticists, resulting in much research being conducted towards the genetics of the breed’s coat.
Genetic Basis of Burmese Coat Color
The color of their fur depends on a cat’s genes, and of the alleles present in the organism, at least 3 genes are known to influence this factor. In the case of the Burmese, they are determined by what is known as the Burmese colorpoint gene, which is abbreviated as the ‘Cb’. As observed in the table above, this gene works together with other genes to produce the special coat color in Burmese cats.
The "cb" Gene and Its Effect
The dilution of pigmentation is a result of the “cb” gene that forms part of the group of albino genes. In Burmese cats, this gene concerns the point coloration in which the ears, face, feet, and tail could be darker in comparison to the physique. Just like the “sp” gene, the “cb” gene follows a recessive type of inheritance, which implies that the copy of the gene is acquired from each of the parents if a cat is to possess the characteristic Burmese coat coloration.
Interaction with Other Genes
Thus the cb gene base is not the exception for Burmese coloration, but it cannot act singlehanded. It also influences the “B” and “b” genes that define the presence of black and brown coat color in a cat. A Burmese cat possesses two little ‘b’ genes, which have caused it to possess the Burmese rich brown or sable coat. This combination of genes is responsible for the coat patterns and makes the Burmese what it is today referred to as Myanmar, or cbbcobb.
The Role of the White Gene
Seven days later, the hairs of the cat would darken, and the location that once had pink fur would reveal a white coat due to genes, where the “W” gene is considered dominant. This gene suppresses other color genes, thus the cat ends up with a white fur coat irrespective of the breeds it is genetically linked with. The “W glucose transporter gene” is a recessive gene designated usually as WW, indicating that it can rarely be present in double dose. The genotype for white coat color is Ww; the W allele is dominant to ‘w’ and therefore a heterozygous individual will be white but can pass on the gene to their offspring, and one may end up with white kittens.
This is why Burmese cats do not possess the gene that has the letter “W” in their breed standard. This means that any two cats that have produced a white kitten are not usually used to reproduce animals to perpetuate the breed in order to avoid the creation of more offspring of white color.
Breed Standards and the Preservation of Color
The Burmese breed has its own set of rules with regards to the cat lovers’ associations, such as the CFA and the TICA. These dictate matters to do with the breed appearance and the acceptable colors that the breed ought to display. As far as colors and patterns are concerned, the Burmese cats are allowed only brown and sable coat colors to keep the breed as close as possible to the original one.
Historical Breeding Practices
In the past, the breeding of Burmese cats followed aims to keep the color, but other desirable factors, including the temperament and the physiques, were also considered. Breeders have paid great attention to choosing the breeding pairs; thus, the white gene is avoided in the gene pool. This has contributed to ensuring that the white Burmese cats are not in the population by avoiding the selection of white cats.
The Role of Pedigree and Lineage
The coloring of the Burmese cats is determined by a specific degree of its pedigree breed. Farmers record the pedigree list to check whether the gene for whiteness and other qualities is inherited. Those breeders who did not want to have white Burmese cats have also ensured that they do not breed parents with the ability to give birth to white kittens.
The Impact of Genetics on Feline Breeds
Specifically, the example of the Burmese cat proves that genetics play a decisive role in the characteristics of the breed. Over time/owing to breeding, people have been able to produce different breeds with definite characteristics just like other domesticated animals. This knowledge will help the breeders arrive at informed decisions and ensure the sustainability of the breed.
Genetic Diversity and Health
Extreme to certain characteristics, however, is useful for breeding in maintaining breed standards, while genetic variation is essential for any breed. He noted that genetic uniformity exposes people to severe genetic diseases and various diseases in general. Producers also have to consider pedigree objectives with a modern genetic goal of preserving the genetic variability.
Advances in Genetic Research
There has been a lot of new understanding of how genes in cats determine such aspects as coat color and others since the previous edition of this breed profile. Some practices, like DNA profiling, make it possible for the breeders to realize when the particular genes are present, including the color genes. It also equips the breeders with a better chance of breeding and discourages undesired breeds in the process.
Conclusion
The rare coloration is because of a white Burmese cat and selective breeding techniques used in its breeding to ensure no concolority of color happens. When combined with other genes, the “cb” gene is responsible for the development of the brown and sable coats that are associated with Burmese cats. Thus, controlling from selection and not introducing the white gene, today Burmese cats are maintained as a breed with a familiar look.
This assessment of Burmese cat color genetics raises the existing understanding of genetics in the reproduction of this type of animal to a new level. It enshrines both the preservation of breed standards and, at the same time, the embracing of genetic variation and the health of the feline species. When extension on genetic research will progress, then by selection, dog breeders will have so many other means, tools, and techniques that will help in revival and promotion of unique traits of every feline breed.
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