Eight Candidate Gene Loci in Racing Pigeons Explained

Flight ability in racing pigeons is a complex quantitative trait, shaped by many genes together with environmental factors. As molecular genetics has advanced, researchers have reported a number of candidate-gene loci that show statistical associations with racing performance. Through genetic testing, breeders can read test results alongside race records to understand a stock bird’s genetic background more fully.

Eight Candidate Gene Loci

LDHA — Energy Metabolism and Racing Survival

Lactate dehydrogenase A (LDHA) takes part in anaerobic glycolysis. Ramadan et al. (2018, PLOS ONE) reported an association between its polymorphism and racing survival in racing pigeons; differences at this locus may influence the efficiency of energy supply during high-intensity flight.

DRD4 — Dopamine Signalling and Racing Performance

Dopamine receptor D4 (DRD4) takes part in neural signalling. Proskura et al. (2015, Animal Genetics) reported an association between its polymorphism and racing performance in racing pigeons, suggesting that neurobehavioural genes may relate to racing condition.

CRY1 — Circadian Rhythm and Racing Performance

Cryptochrome 1 (CRY1) takes part in circadian clock regulation. Dybus et al. (2021, Animals) reported an association between its polymorphism and racing performance in racing pigeons. Note that it is a different gene from CRY4, which is a candidate in magnetoreception research.

MSTN — Regulation of Muscle Development

Myostatin (MSTN) negatively regulates muscle growth, with well-established functional evidence in mammals; polymorphism studies exist in the domestic pigeon (Dybus 2013), but evidence for an association with racing performance is limited, so interpretation should be cautious.

F-KER — Feather Structural Protein

Feather keratin (F-KER) is a structural protein of feathers. Polymorphism studies of this gene exist in the domestic pigeon (Dybus & Haase 2011), but there is currently no evidence of a direct association with racing performance.

LRP8 — Lipid Metabolism and Racing Performance

Low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 8 (LRP8) takes part in lipid transport and energy metabolism. Kulig et al. (2025) reported that its polymorphism is associated with racing performance in racing pigeons, making it a candidate locus from the most recent research.

GSR — Antioxidant Capacity and Racing Performance

Glutathione reductase (GSR) is a key enzyme of the antioxidant system. Kulig et al. (2025) reported that its polymorphism is associated with racing performance in racing pigeons; antioxidant capacity is related to recovery from high-intensity flight.

CASK takes part in synaptic function and neural development. Polymorphism studies have been carried out in pigeons (Dybus 2023); this is preliminary evidence, and a direct association with racing performance still awaits further research.

How to Read Genetic Testing Correctly

It is worth emphasising that gene-locus testing provides a reference for genetic tendency, not a decisive prediction. A racing pigeon’s results are the joint outcome of genes, training, nutrition, health and environment. The reported findings are statistical associations in published pigeon research, not causal relationships: a test result is a reference for breeding decisions, always read alongside performance records. The value of genetic testing lies in helping breeders plan more informed pairings, not in fortune-telling.

SENO testing is intended for racing pigeons and other birds (avian, veterinary use); it is not a human medical diagnostic service.

Conclusion

Understanding a stock bird’s genetic profile is an important step in scientific breeding. You are welcome to learn about our flight ability genetic testing service, which provides data support for your breeding decisions.

Eight Candidate Gene Loci in Racing Pigeons Explained