Bird

The Expert Pigeon Genetic Panel brings together all the DNA tests currently offered to support selection, performance and traceability in racing pigeons. It combines genetic markers related to orientation, endurance, feather quality, behaviour, metabolism and athletic performance, the 17 STR genetic fingerprint for individual identification and parentage verification, as well as DNA sexing. This panel gives breeders a comprehensive view of their pigeons’ genetic profile, to be used alongside observation, lineage, training and race results.

Included tests:

LRP8 – Spatial memory and performance in racing pigeons
GSR – Athletic potential and orientation in racing pigeons
PPARD – Endurance and performance in racing pigeons
DRD4 – Short-distance performance in racing pigeons
LDHA – Endurance in racing pigeons
F-KER – Feather quality and endurance in racing pigeons
CRY1 – Orientation in racing pigeons
CASK – Athletic potential in racing pigeons
17 STR genetic fingerprint – Identification and parentage
DNA sexing – Sex determination in pigeons

The LRP8 gene is involved in mechanisms related to learning, memory and cognitive abilities, all of which are important for returning to the loft. In racing pigeons, a variant of the LRP8 gene has been associated with race performance, with higher average scores observed in pigeons with the GT genotype. This test can therefore help breeders better guide their choice of breeding birds by adding a genetic marker linked to navigation potential and spatial memory. However, it should be used as a complementary tool, as performance also depends on many non-genetic factors such as training, physical condition and race conditions.

The GSR gene encodes an enzyme involved in the antioxidant balance of cells, an important mechanism during prolonged effort in racing pigeons. It is also studied for its potential role in magnetoreception, which may contribute to orientation and return to the loft. In the provided study, pigeons with the CT genotype for the GSR marker showed the highest average performance scores. This genotype may therefore be considered potentially favourable for guiding the selection of breeding birds, while remaining a complementary indicator, as its direct effect on race results has not been statistically confirmed.

The PPARD gene is involved in mechanisms related to energy metabolism, fat utilisation and muscular endurance. In racing pigeons, a recent study suggests that certain variations in this gene may be linked to race performance, particularly return speed and ranking coefficient. The CC genotype for the PPARD c.*271C>T marker is the one that stands out most favourably in the study, notably because it was observed in pigeons taking part in a larger number of races. This test can therefore provide complementary information to guide the selection of breeding birds, without replacing the assessment of the pigeon, its lineage, training and actual racing results.

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.

The Essential Pigeon Panel brings together the main DNA tests useful for identification, sexing and selection in racing pigeons. It includes the 17 STR genetic fingerprint to establish an individual DNA profile and verify parentage, DNA sexing to determine the sex of the pigeon, as well as several markers associated with functions related to performance: endurance, behaviour, feather quality and orientation. This panel provides breeders with a comprehensive genetic basis to better manage their colony, secure pedigrees and support breeding decisions, alongside observation, lineage, training and race results.

Included tests:

17-marker DNA profile – BIRD-ID17
DNA sexing
LDHA – Endurance in racing pigeons – BIRD-LDHA
DRD4 – Short-distance performance in racing pigeons – BIRD-DRD4
F-KER – Feather quality and endurance in racing pigeons – BIRD-KERA
CRY1 – Orientation in racing pigeons – BIRD-CRY1

Each pigeon has its own unique DNA signature. Genetic fingerprinting analyses 17 STR markers recommended by ISAG, an international reference organisation in animal genetics, to establish a reliable genetic identity profile for the bird. It allows the identity of a pigeon to be confirmed and parentage to be verified by comparing the DNA profile of a young bird with that of its declared parents. This test helps breeders secure pedigrees, check family relationships and ensure better genetic traceability within their colony.

The LDHA gene encodes an enzyme involved in lactate utilisation, an important mechanism for muscular effort, endurance and recovery. In racing pigeons, the A allele of the LDHA gene has been reported to be more frequent in groups of pigeons with high homing performance. More recent data suggest that the AB profile may be of interest for long-distance races, with a favourable trend observed for this type of competition. This test can therefore provide complementary information to guide the selection of breeding birds intended for prolonged effort, while remaining to be considered alongside the pigeon’s lineage, training and actual race results.