Set-Up is Easy
Congratulations on purchasing your copy of the Dark Sky Genie.
The first thing to do is forward your alpacas' details, their NEOGEN colour test results and ideally profile pictures of them [taken when dry] to the Genie's magic lamp at Dark Sky Alpacas. We have created a handy pre-formatted spreadsheet for the data that you need to send, which you can download at checkout.
We will then quickly compile your very own and unique copy of the Dark Sky Genie and return it by email or large file transfer.
The Genie Home Screen
Once you've loaded your copy of the Genie, just pick an option and off you go!
The 'Genie' - calculates possible mating outcomes
My Females - a catalogue of your females by colour code
My Males - a catalogue of your males by colour code
Compare Matings - look at up to 3 matings side by side
Add Alpacas - add new alpacas as you receive new test results
Print Mating Outcome - print your individual mating outcomes
Select Your Breeding Pair
Get The 'Genie' working straight away by using the 2 simple drop down menus to choose your breeding combination, then sit back while the Genie translates the NEOGEN test result data into the detailed genetic codes for your selected alpacas.
Check Your Results
The Genie then gives you 3 sets of results.
The first is the basic outcome probabilities along with the most probable coat colours that are associated with the codes. The colour chart gives an easy way to view the colour range that these codes relate to.
The second set of results use the ASIP and MC1R allele mutations data to produce a fine tuned set of probabilities. Research into the affect of the MC1R mutations in particular is limited at the moment, but the ASIP numbers appear to be key to unlocking more understanding of colour intensity.
The third result is the overall 'True Black' phenotype probability based on the summation of the observed likelihoods of getting a true black from each possible outcome.
True Black Probability Calculation
The Genie true black probability calculation relies on the observed outcomes from a US Study (see Understanding the Black Base Coat Color Genotype in the References section). They observed “181 animals that had “aa” ASIP base coat color genotypes and carried either zero or one MC1R gene dilution mutations. That is the animal’s base coat color genotypes were summarized as either EE aa or Ee aa...”
As per the Study findings The Genie assumes that there isn’t a difference in black probability associated with a single non-functional mutation in MC1R (a little 'e'), as their observed results weren't statistically significant to suggest otherwise. However, they acknowledged that they believe there is a high chance that a single little ‘e’ does reduce the true black base coat colour odds.
Similarly the academic research is inconclusive at this stage (see Identification of six genomic regions associated with pigment intensity in alpacas in the References section).
So, this is one area The Genie will keep a close eye on and will update the calculation as required.
Phenotype Examples
One of the most exciting aspects of the Dark Sky Genie is the example photographs returned for each of the detailed outcome results.
These are anonymised images of actual alpacas with the same detailed colour codes drawn from an ever expanding library.
Over time this will become a rich repository of reference data to support and enhance further academic research into the understanding of alpaca colour genetics.
Print or Save Your Individual Results
and finally.... The Genie allows you to print a copy of the results associated with each mating combination.
*NEW* Compare up to 3 potential matings
Recently added, the comparison tool allows you to look at the mating resuls from up to 3 pairs - you can keep the female the same, the male the same or look at 3 completely different parings - its up to you!
*NEW* Colour coded catalogue
Another new feature shows you a complete catalogue of your alpacas, grouped by basic colour code and also showing their detailed codes and photos. A really easy way to visualise your alpacas and help you to select who to include in your mating options.
Update or Enter Additional Alpaca Details
You can add additional alpacas along with their colour test results and update key fleece stats for all your alpacas - remember it's as much about fleece quality as it is colour.