Satin was discovered in 1968 and is a Dominant Gene. [1] The Satin Gene is not only a pretty gene but also a fascinating one. The gene causes the hair fibres to be slightly thinner which causes the sheen that is seen and an optical effect causes the deepening of the animals colouration. [2]
Note regarding Satin
Satin in it's heterozygous form (Sa-) is perfectly okay, however Satin in it's Homozygous form (SaSa) is known to cause the coat to be thinner, brittle and in a lot of individuals, causes bald patches. The Homozygous form of Satin is often termed "Double Satin" and "Super Satin". There is currently no official name for it, seeing as it is undesirable, so either can be used.
Satin |
Sasa |
Super Satin/Double Satin |
SaSa |
References
[1] Logsdail, C., Hovers, K. and Logsdail, P. (2003). Hamsterlopaedia. Lydney: Ringpress, p.138.
[2] ROBINSON, R. (1972). Satin—A new coat mutant in the Syrian hamster. Journal of Heredity, 63(1), pp.52-52.
[2] ROBINSON, R. (1972). Satin—A new coat mutant in the Syrian hamster. Journal of Heredity, 63(1), pp.52-52.