Bird

The CASK gene encodes a protein involved in the functioning of the nervous system and muscles, particularly in the transmission between nerves and muscles.
It plays a role in key functions such as muscle contraction, and potentially also in orientation and homing ability.
Recent studies show that certain variants of this gene are more frequent in homing pigeons than in pigeons not selected for racing.
The AA genotype could therefore be associated with improved athletic potential.

Ce test détermine le sexe des rapaces par l'analyse de séquences d'ADN spécifiques au chromosome sexuel.

This pack includes the different tests available for pigeons for genetic identification, sexing, and performance markers. These tests are as follows: 17-marker DNA profile (BIRD-ID17), lactate dehydrogenase (BIRD-LDHA), dopamine receptor (BIRD-DRD4), keratin (BIRD-KERA), and cryptochrome (BIRD-CRY1).

Each pigeon has its own DNA signature. It is a sort of genetic identity card containing 17 microsatellites recommended by the International Society for Animal Genetics (ISAG). 

This test determines the sex of many bird species (except ratites) by analysing DNA sequences specific to the sex chromosome.

The performance of racing pigeons has been associated with a mutation in the enzyme lactate dehydrogenase (LDHA), of which pigeons carrying the A allele generally perform better.

Two genetic mutations in the dopamine receptor gene (DRD4) have been associated with homing performance in pigeons.

This mutation in the feather keratin gene is associated with performance in long-distance races.

Cryptochromes are proteins involved in magnetoreception, the pigeon’s ability to perceive the Earth’s magnetic field.
CRY1 is particularly expressed in the retina.
Recent studies show that AG/TT pigeons achieve, on average, better ace points (AP) than AG/AG individuals on 100- to 400-km flights.

The blue colour of the feathers in some parrots is due to a genetic mutation affecting the production of the psittacofulvin pigment. This pigment is responsible for the colours yellow to red, whereas the blue in these parrots comes from a feather structure rather than pigments.

A recent study of two species of lovebird, Masked lovebird (Agapornis personatus) and Fischer's lovebird (Agapornis fischeri) revealed that the blue colour is linked to a specific mutation in a gene called MuPKS. The BIRD-BLUE test can be used to detect the presence of this mutation.