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CASK
LRP8
GSR
Racing pigeons
Genetics
DNA
pigeons
LDHA
DRD4
CRY1
New DNA markers for racing performance

We are happy to announce we are offering 3 new proven markers for racing performance!

From now on the quality gene tests are offered in one package. Pigeons that were tested before on LDHA, DRD4 or CRY1 receive an automatic discount. Our philosophy stays the same to only offer testing to our clients for markers that show a validated correlation with racing performance.

The markers are located in the following genes;

CASK (new): Our findings show that Calcium/calmodulin-dependent serine protein kinase (CASK) could be a first marker suited for genome associated selection (GAS) as we see ace pigeons seem to possess the favorable A variant (at least heterozygous AG and a lot of them homozygous AA). CASK is gene important for synapse formation in the brain and the nerve-muscle connection. Preferred genotypes; AA or AG.

LRP8 (new): LDL Receptor related Protein 8 (LRP8) is a gene important for the growth of the hippocampus inside the brain. The hippocampus is important for recognition of geographic structures and navigational abilities. The H variant has been selected out in racing pigeons in comparison with the Q variant. Preferred genotypes; HH or HQ.

GSR (new): Glutathion-diSulfide-Reductase (GSR) is a protein that is associated with magneto reception abilities. Most of the racing pigeons are homozygote for the favorable variant. In racing pigeons, a clear selection has been observed in favour of the T variant. Preferred genotypes; TT or CT.

DRD4: Dopamine receptor gene type 4. This gene has to do with the character of the pigeon. This gene is more complex and somewhat special because it concerns two different markers within the same gene. In our notation, the first two letters refer to the first mutation and the last two to the second place in the gene. The “T” mutation in the first place eg CTCC probably has to do with more exploration behaviour, more daring, courage, faster flying alone. We find this mutation more in winners at all distances (speed to extreme long distance) but typically also in mass releases. We therefore suspect that these pigeons want to free themselves from the bunch more easily.
We clearly find the “T” mutation in second place, eg CCCT, the most in extreme long distance pigeons. We suspect that this mutation may have to do with persistence.
Preferred genotypes; CTCT, CTCC, CCCT, TTCC, CCTT.

LDHA: Lactate dehydrogenase A. According to what we can now see after many tests together with additional research, this 'A' marker is more common in winners (pigeons that make the difference) in races with several hours of flying (less in sprint) and in pigeons that are raced more ( basketing weekly). Globally, the top extreme middle and long distance pigeons are the animals where we find these genotypes most often. It is also clearly advantageous in extreme long distance pigeons. The mutation in this lactic acid enzyme gene has to do with expression of the gene (how much of the gene is transcribed). In simple words the 'A' pigeons have on average more of this enzyme. The explanation remains the same here; these pigeons probably have less lactic acid and therefore less pain in the muscles during prolonged exertion.
Preferred genotypes; AA or AB.

CRY1: a cryptochrome 1 protein in the retina of the eye. Such proteins have been associated, among other things, with day-night rhythm and magnetoreception of birds. The advantageous TT mutation in this gene is also located in the intron, so the hypothesis again goes in the direction of gene expression.
Preferred genotypes; TTTT or AGTT (and probably ATTT, ATAT and ATAG).

The tests are available to order online on our website!