By Nanna M. Andersen | Published: 21.08.20 | Edited: 02.07.23 The first Satin gene we will focus on is Satin 1, with the genotype sasa. This type is the most common Satin variety in the EU, but due to a lack of selective breeding, these Satin rats might go completely unnoticed by some breeders. Satin 1 rats will initially appear very similar to their standard siblings unless you compare their whiskers when they first start appearing around day 2. At day 4, as seen on the picture, the Satin 1 whiskers will be blown back compared to their standard siblings. This difference will be noticeable until around 3-4 weeks of age, depending on the quality of Satin. After this age, the whiskers may relax and appear more like standard whiskers. At the first molt, around 5-6 weeks, as seen on the three pictures below, there will be a significant molt that affects both the guard hairs and the undercoat. The guard hairs will be almost completely lost, leaving a wooly undercoat that appears matte and somewhat dull, as seen on the pictures. As the new coat grows in, there will be a drastic change in appearance. The dull, wooly look will disappear as new guard hairs emerge. The new guard hairs will be semi-long and have a shiny gloss. The color of Satin 1 rats will appear more intense because the Satin gene causes the pigment to clump together around the middle of the hair shafts. This clumping gives the appearance of a more saturated color, while the shine comes from the hollow tips on each of the guard hairs. The coats of Satin 1 youngsters and adults will hug the body and appear smooth and glossy compared to their standard siblings. Identifying adults over 1 year old might be more challenging, especially if they are of a lighter color. Lastly, I want to discuss Lustrous (also known as Satin 2), which is assigned the genotype lt/lt. Although I haven't personally worked with this coat type, I have spoken to many knowledgeable breeders who are familiar with it. Lustrous rats have fatty fluid deposits in their hair shafts, which gives them a greasy coat appearance, particularly when they are young. The Lustrous gene has been given the genotype lt/lt and ideally should be renamed Lustrous to avoid confusion with Satin 1. Lustrous breeders can identify Lustrous rats from pinkies as their whiskers will be blown back and crimped, giving them a unique appearance compared to other coat types. When the coat grows in, the greasy appearance will be immediately apparent. This greasy appearance will also be prominent in the juvenile coat, but as the rat ages, the coat may end up looking more like a standard coat. The adult coat of Lustrous rats should be semi-long and loose, with the whiskers straightening but still drooping ever so slightly. Spotting the shine can be challenging, especially if the coat hasn't been selectively bred.
I hope you find this information helpful. Thank you for reading!
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