Myostatine
Myostatin (MSTN) is a protein encoded by the MSTN gene. This protein regulates cell production in muscle and plays a role in inhibition of further muscle development. Myostatin is able to influence muscle fibre type and can therefore potentially also be used as an indicator to classify pigeons into ideal flight distances. Inhibition of myostatin signalling by changes in the gene resulted in reduced fat mass, increased lean mass and improved glucose metabolism in skeletal muscle. This could therefore result in better endurance for long-distance flight. A C to T change (mutation) in the MSTN gene of pigeons has been found more often in highly muscular pigeon breeds, but is also present in racing pigeons. More research is required to find out if and how this mutation affects the performance of racing pigeons.
In horses, this marker has been used for some time and horses are classified into 3 distances based on their change in the MSTN gene. Further research is needed to know if we can also classify racing pigeons in this way.
- Short distance (C/C)
- Medium distance (C/T)
- Long distance (T/T)
Suitable samples
Feathers
- 4–5 freshly plucked breast feathers
- Moulted feathers, down feathers, and blood feathers should be avoided. These sometimes contain insufficient DNA or can cause damage to the feather follicle when pulled out. Blood feathers are new feathers that can be recognized by the blue sheath at the base of the feather.
- To avoid contamination, do not touch the shaft (the end of the feather protruding from the bird’s skin) with your hands.
Blood sample
- Small amounts (capillary tube) are sufficient for an accurate analysis.
- A drop of blood on a coffee filter or paper.
Cheek swab from a nestling
A gentle way to collect DNA from young birds
Note: avoid contamination with food or food scraps
Eggshell with membrane
Have you recently had a nest hatch? If so, save the eggshells. Place the shell, with the dried blood vessels still attached, as completely as possible into a plastic zip-top bag and send it to us.
Turnaround times
- If you send the sample by mail, we will confirm receipt via email.
- Processing time: 5-7 business days from receipt of your sample.
- You will receive an email when your results and certificate are available on your personal portal.
Prices
| Performance genes | Excl. VAT (€) / price per item |
|---|---|
| 1 genotype | € 36,00 |
| 2 genotypes | € 39,00 |
| 3 genotypes | € 42,00 |
| 4 genotypes | € 45,00 |
| 5 genotypes | € 48,00 |
| 6 genotypes | € 51,00 |
| 7 genotypes | € 54,00 |
| 8 genotypes | € 57,00 |
Request a test
STEP 1: Complete the request form
Choose whichever way of filling it in suits you best.
- Excel: fill in digitally.
- PDF: print and fill in by hand.
Then add it to the form below, or send it along with your samples.
STEP 2: Send us your samples
There are several ways to do this
- At our front desk* (during opening hours)
- Through the letterbox* (outside opening hours)
- By post*
- Through your vet
STEP 3: Payment & results
You will receive your invoice as soon as we have received your complete request.
Payment can be made on site*, by bank transfer or through your vet. Once payment is received, we begin the analysis.
You will receive your certified results by email, within the agreed turnaround time, unless stated otherwise.
* Our address: NeorniLab, Beverlosesteenweg 129, 3583 Paal, Belgium