Eight genetic markers with published pigeon research — a candidate-gene reference for breeding decisions, always read alongside performance records.
Function:
Involved in anaerobic glycolysis — a key enzyme supplying energy during high-intensity flight. Genotype differences may influence energy-metabolism efficiency.
Breeding value:
Flags candidate genotypes associated with racing survival in published pigeon research — a genetic reference for breeding selection, not a speed guarantee.
Scientific association:
A pigeon-specific study (Ramadan 2018, PLOS ONE) reported a statistical association between LDHA polymorphism and racing survival rate. This is a candidate-gene association, not causation, and not equivalent to speed.
Marker type: SNP (single nucleotide polymorphism)
Reference: Ramadan 2018, PLOS ONE | PMID: 29775483 | DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0195121
Function:
Dopamine receptor D4 participates in neural signalling and is a candidate gene for racing performance in pigeons.
Breeding value:
A candidate locus for racing performance, supporting breeding and training reference alongside other loci and race records.
Scientific association:
A pigeon-specific study (Proskura 2015, Animal Genetics) reported a statistical association between DRD4 polymorphism and racing performance. Exploratory association — read together with multiple genes and environment.
Marker type: SNP (single nucleotide polymorphism)
Reference: Proskura 2015, Animal Genetics | PMID: 26202371 | DOI: 10.1111/age.12328
Function:
A core circadian-clock component regulating day/night rhythm. Note: magnetoreception research focuses on CRY4 — a different cryptochrome from CRY1.
Breeding value:
A candidate locus for rhythm and racing-performance reference, used together with other loci and race records.
Scientific association:
A pigeon-specific study (Dybus 2021, Animals) reported a statistical association between CRY1 polymorphism and racing performance. CRY1 must not be claimed as the "magnetoreception gene".
Marker type: SNP (single nucleotide polymorphism)
Reference: Dybus 2021, Animals | PMID: 34573598 | DOI: 10.3390/ani11092632
Function:
Myostatin negatively regulates skeletal-muscle growth; loss-of-function variants cause muscle hypertrophy in mammals. One of the most-studied muscle-regulatory genes.
Breeding value:
Provides polymorphism reference across pigeon breeds; racing-performance evidence in pigeons is limited — interpret cautiously.
Scientific association:
A pigeon study (Dybus 2013) reported MSTN polymorphism in domestic pigeons — a polymorphism survey without racing-performance analysis. Functional background: Rodgers & Garikipati 2008.
Marker type: SNP (single nucleotide polymorphism)
Reference: Dybus 2013, Vet Med | DOI: 10.17221/6654-VETMED; Rodgers & Garikipati 2008, PMID: 18591260
Function:
Feather keratin is the major structural protein of feathers; related gene variants may affect feather structure and mechanical traits — the link to flight performance is indirect.
Breeding value:
Provides plumage-related polymorphism reference; racing-performance evidence in pigeons is limited — interpret cautiously.
Scientific association:
A pigeon study (Dybus & Haase 2011) reported F-KER polymorphism in domestic pigeons — a polymorphism survey without racing-performance analysis.
Marker type: SNP (single nucleotide polymorphism)
Reference: Dybus & Haase 2011, Br Poult Sci | PMID: 21491240 | DOI: 10.1080/00071668.2010.549666
Function:
Involved in lipid metabolism and energy transport — a candidate gene in racing-performance research.
Breeding value:
A candidate locus for racing performance, used together with GSR and other loci plus race records.
Scientific association:
A pigeon-specific study (Kulig 2025) reported the structural impact of GSR and LRP8 polymorphisms on protein function and their role in racing performance. Candidate-gene association.
Marker type: SNP (single nucleotide polymorphism)
Reference: Kulig 2025, Int J Biol Macromol | PMID: 40246119 | DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2025.143181
Function:
A key antioxidant-defence enzyme related to oxidative-stress clearance and recovery — a candidate gene in racing-performance research.
Breeding value:
A candidate locus for racing performance, used together with LRP8 and other loci plus race records.
Scientific association:
A pigeon-specific study (Kulig 2025) reported the structural impact of GSR and LRP8 polymorphisms on protein function and their role in racing performance. Candidate-gene association.
Marker type: SNP (single nucleotide polymorphism)
Reference: Kulig 2025, Int J Biol Macromol | PMID: 40246119 | DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2025.143181
Function:
Participates in synaptic development and signalling — a cognition-related candidate gene studied in pigeons.
Breeding value:
A candidate locus related to nervous-system function; performance-association evidence is preliminary.
Scientific association:
A pigeon study (Dybus 2023, Animals) reported CASK polymorphism in pigeons, with performance association as secondary content. Preliminary evidence — interpret cautiously.
Marker type: SNP (single nucleotide polymorphism)
Reference: Dybus 2023, Animals | PMID: 37443867 | DOI: 10.3390/ani13132070
Add an objective genetic layer to a pedigree. For fanciers in Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany, a marker profile supports the provenance and breeding story of a line, alongside performance records.
A genetic profile travels with the bird. At auction or private sale, it helps a buyer verify that the pigeon matches the described line and type, reducing misrepresentation risk.
Marker profiles support breeding and race-planning decisions as a candidate-gene reference, complementing — never replacing — actual performance records.
Gene markers indicate a genetic tendency, not a guarantee. Race results are the product of many genes, training, environment, nutrition and health acting together. We interpret genotypes from published literature and laboratory data, but no gene result predicts or ensures a specific result. Reports are for avian genetic research and scientific breeding reference only — not veterinary diagnosis.
⚠️ Scope of service: all tests are for racing pigeons and other birds (avian/veterinary use) only. They are not intended for human medical diagnosis.
Feathers with an intact root, or a blood card.
Send samples with the submission form via DHL, FedEx or similar.
High-precision PCR analysis on receipt at the laboratory.
Receive an electronic report with genotype interpretation.
Can gene testing predict race results?
No. Genotypes reflect genetic tendency only; race results are the product of many genes, training, environment, nutrition and health. Reports support breeding reference, not result prediction.
What sample do I need?
Feathers with complete calamus (3-5) or blood cards; see the sampling guide for details.
How old must a young pigeon be for testing?
The DNA sequence is stable for life; squabs can be sampled shortly after hatching for early breeding reference.
How do I read the results?
The report lists genotypes per locus, known association direction and literature sources, with evidence grades and interpretation boundaries; consult our experts for breeding advice.
