A QTL for the degree of spotting in cattle shows synteny with the KIT locus on chromosome 6

Functional melanocytes in the epidermis are required for cutaneous pigmentation in cattle. In spotted cattle variations in the size of pigmented sectors are of interest to animal researchers, as it is believed that those with a higher proportion of white coat absorb less solar radiation. The proportion of unpigmented coat was determined from photographs of German Simmental and Holstein bulls. The receptor tyrosinase kinase (KIT) locus is associated with depigmentation phenotypes in mice, humans and pigs, and it is suggested that KIT is a candidate gene for the degree of spotting in cattle.