Bird

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.

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.

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