The Genetics of Skin Color Variation in Farm Animals

Melanin from melanocytes has a broad spectrum of biological activities, including protection against enzymatic lysis, UV radiation, and damage by oxidants and resistance to drugs by pathogens, protection of insects against bacteria and antiviral protection, etc. Coloration of the hair, skin, and eye in animal depends on the quantity, quality, and distribution of the pigment in tissues. Pigmentation is a variety of phenotypes that is important to husbandry. We reviewed the progress of skin color variation in farm animals to provide insights into the biology of skin pigmentation and melanocyte.