Tris are a result of one gene being present.  That gene is the "ej" or Japanese gene.  I will not go into detail about how this gene can be hidden in other colors other than to touch upon the fact that ALL self colors can carry it without it being expressed (seen).  I will deal mainly with the colors that will help you test for the gene and will help you express the gene so you can see and use it to your advantage. There are four colors of tris, black, blue, chocolate, and lilac.  I will not go into detail about the four colors either as that would be too complicated at this time.  We will only be dealing with the the generic (any color) tri at this time to keep this genetics lesson simple. First of all, you must know that all genes come in pairs.  There are actually four genes in the series that control the color tri but we will only deal with the two that let the gene be expressed or show.  Those two genes are "e" and "ej".  "ej" is dominant over "e" and therefore "ej" is seen when paired with "e" in the combination of "eje" (remember they come in pairs)  the other pairing that allows "ej" to be expressed is the combination of "ejej".  When the pairing of "ee" comes along the rabbit cannot be a tri.  It can however PRODUCE tri when paired with another rabbit that carries and "ej" gene.  What does this mean to the tri breeder?  Rabbits which carry the "ee" series are very valuable for testing a herd for the presence of an "ej" gene and they are also valuable for producing tri rabbits.  Now you are probably wondering which rabbits are "ee" rabbits.  Well, there are actually two recognised varieties that are "ee" rabbits.  Those colors are red and torte.  The only difference between a red and a torte is the presence of an agouti gene in the red.  Here are the genetics for both. Red=A_ ee (space indicates an unknown gene) Torte=aa ee If you are worried about getting torted tris please refer to torty tris at this time.  That article will teach you how to breed to avoid getting torted tris. In conclusion we will again go over the genetics of tris and the colors that can be used to make tri. Tri=A_ ej_ torted tris=aa ej_ red=A_ ee torte=aa ee Also keep in mind that many colors can carry tri hidden.  Using red or torte on a rabbit will help you identify which animal is carrying tri to eliminate it from your herd if you so choose.

Basic Tri Genetics

Tris are a result of one gene being present.  That gene is the "ej" or Japanese gene.  I will not go into detail about how this gene can be hidden in other colors other than to touch upon the fact that ALL self colors can carry it without it being expressed (seen).  I will deal mainly with the colors that will help you test for the gene and will help you express the gene so you can see and use it to your advantage. There are four colors of tris, black, blue, chocolate, and lilac.  I will not go into detail about the four colors either as that would be too complicated at this time.  We will only be dealing with the the generic (any color) tri at this time to keep this genetics lesson simple. First of all, you must know that all genes come in pairs.  There are actually four genes in the series that control the color tri but we will only deal with the two that let the gene be expressed or show.  Those two genes are "e" and "ej".  "ej" is dominant over "e" and therefore "ej" is seen when paired with "e" in the combination of "eje" (remember they come in pairs)  the other pairing that allows "ej" to be expressed is the combination of "ejej".  When the pairing of "ee" comes along the rabbit cannot be a tri.  It can however PRODUCE tri when paired with another rabbit that carries and "ej" gene.  What does this mean to the tri breeder?  Rabbits which carry the "ee" series are very valuable for testing a herd for the presence of an "ej" gene and they are also valuable for producing tri rabbits.  Now you are probably wondering which rabbits are "ee" rabbits.  Well, there are actually two recognised varieties that are "ee" rabbits.  Those colors are red and torte.  The only difference between a red and a torte is the presence of an agouti gene in the red.  Here are the genetics for both. Red=A_ ee (space indicates an unknown gene) Torte=aa ee If you are worried about getting torted tris please refer to torty tris at this time.  That article will teach you how to breed to avoid getting torted tris. In conclusion we will again go over the genetics of tris and the colors that can be used to make tri. Tri=A_ ej_ torted tris=aa ej_ red=A_ ee torte=aa ee Also keep in mind that many colors can carry tri hidden.  Using red or torte on a rabbit will help you identify which animal is carrying tri to eliminate it from your herd if you so choose.