This company is finalizing their Fibro test and seeking breeders with multiple birds to test as reference points.
It sounds like they're asking for 3-5 samples from three groups:
- Homozygous Fibro birds
- Non-Fibro birds
- the offspring from crossing these
I'm sharing because I want the test to hurry up and get done
_________________________________
_________________________________
Company Statement on Fibromelanosis Testing and Research Context.
At IQ BirdTesting, we are committed to delivering scientifically validated and high-precision genetic testing services to the avian community. Our newly introduced Fibromelanosis Test, which detects the presence and relative quantity of the Fibromelanosis (FM) duplication associated with dermal hyperpigmentation in Ayam Cemani chickens, is based on quantitative PCR (qPCR) and calibrated with rigorously verified controls.
During the initial phase of our research, we approached the Ayam Cemani Association to request support and collaboration specially access to samples from reliable breeders. Unfortunately, our offer was declined. We still remain open in our request. Nevertheless, we were fortunate to connect with a select group of dedicated breeders who voluntarily submitted samples and engaged in in-depth discussions. Thanks to their cooperation, we completed the initial research phase and launched the test publicly, successfully identifying both homozygous (FM/FM) and heterozygous (FM/Ø) genotypes as we began issuing our first commercial tests results.
As with any advanced genetic assay—particularly those involving structural variants such as duplications—occasional unexpected results may occur. These are not flaws in the methodology but rather reflections of the genetic complexity present within and between flocks. In response, we are actively expanding our reference dataset to further refine the test’s precision and reliability.
So our company and in order to strengthen the accuracy of results across diverse genetic backgrounds, we are implementing a collaborative approach with breeders before accepting their first commercial samples. Going forward, we will work individually with each breeder to establish a genetic profile for their flock before proceeding with standard testing and we will request the following samples:
1. Heterozygous Animals (FM/Ø): 3-5 samples
Breeders are asked to submit samples from heterozygous individuals resulting from a controlled cross between a pure Ayam Cemani (FM/FM) and a normal chicken lacking the FM duplication. These samples help us validate qPCR signal behavior when only one copy of the FM region is present, particularly in a mixed genetic background.
2. Normal Chickens (Non-FM): 3-5 samples
We also require samples from the non-FM chickens used in the cross. These serve as critical negative controls and help detect any residual signals that might affect test accuracy.
3. Homozygous FM/FM: 3-5 samples.
Also Breeders need to submit any birds the breeder considers pure (FM/FM).
Nevertheless it is important for the breeder to understand that there are several reasons why some heterozygous Ayam Cemani (FM/Ø) may appear to be homozygous (FM/FM).
FM/FM chickens exhibit an intense and uniform black pigmentation in feathers, skin, internal organs, bones, and combs. However, a heterozygous Ayam Cemani (FM/Ø) may appear homozygous (FM/FM) due to the following reasons:
1. High Phenotypic Expression:
Some heterozygous individuals may display a nearly indistinguishable black phenotype from homozygotes due to high melanocyte activity or epistatic effects from other genes that enhance pigmentation.
2. Effect of Genetic Modifiers:
The presence of additional genes that regulate melanin production can cause heterozygotes to exhibit pigmentation similar to that of homozygotes. These modifier genes increase the proliferation and migration of melanocytes (such as EDN3, MITF, SOX10), and promote the production of eumelanin (such as MC1R), while reducing interference from pigmentation-antagonistic genes (such as ASIP).
3. Intrastrand Recombination:
In some cases, a recombination event may duplicate the FM region again on one of the FM/Ø alleles, creating an apparent FM/FM genotype.
4. Variation in the Duplication:
Some FM alleles may carry a partial or atypical duplication, which can result in confusing qPCR results.
Research into these genes is complex due to limited available data and requires further investigation. If a cross between a Normal (non-FM) and an FM/FM produces normal offspring, then that supposed FM/FM individual is actually FM/Ø.
We remain confident in the accuracy and utility of our Fibromelanosis Test as a powerful tool for identifying the presence and zygosity of this important trait. At the same time, we are committed to continuously refining our interpretive framework in line with the latest scientific findings. Needles to say that our Company DOES NOT SHARE any results with any other breeders or institutions. Results remain confidential and in our Company database.
We welcome breeders who are interested in participating in this initiative or in submitting reference samples. Your collaboration is essential to deepening the understanding of fibromelanosis and enhancing the quality of genetic testing for the entire avian breeding community.
If you are interested in this test, please contact us at
[email protected] or text us at +1 786 418 1245
—
IQ BirdTesting – Advancing Precision in Avian Genetics
It sounds like they're asking for 3-5 samples from three groups:
- Homozygous Fibro birds
- Non-Fibro birds
- the offspring from crossing these
I'm sharing because I want the test to hurry up and get done
_________________________________
_________________________________
Company Statement on Fibromelanosis Testing and Research Context.
At IQ BirdTesting, we are committed to delivering scientifically validated and high-precision genetic testing services to the avian community. Our newly introduced Fibromelanosis Test, which detects the presence and relative quantity of the Fibromelanosis (FM) duplication associated with dermal hyperpigmentation in Ayam Cemani chickens, is based on quantitative PCR (qPCR) and calibrated with rigorously verified controls.
During the initial phase of our research, we approached the Ayam Cemani Association to request support and collaboration specially access to samples from reliable breeders. Unfortunately, our offer was declined. We still remain open in our request. Nevertheless, we were fortunate to connect with a select group of dedicated breeders who voluntarily submitted samples and engaged in in-depth discussions. Thanks to their cooperation, we completed the initial research phase and launched the test publicly, successfully identifying both homozygous (FM/FM) and heterozygous (FM/Ø) genotypes as we began issuing our first commercial tests results.
As with any advanced genetic assay—particularly those involving structural variants such as duplications—occasional unexpected results may occur. These are not flaws in the methodology but rather reflections of the genetic complexity present within and between flocks. In response, we are actively expanding our reference dataset to further refine the test’s precision and reliability.
So our company and in order to strengthen the accuracy of results across diverse genetic backgrounds, we are implementing a collaborative approach with breeders before accepting their first commercial samples. Going forward, we will work individually with each breeder to establish a genetic profile for their flock before proceeding with standard testing and we will request the following samples:
1. Heterozygous Animals (FM/Ø): 3-5 samples
Breeders are asked to submit samples from heterozygous individuals resulting from a controlled cross between a pure Ayam Cemani (FM/FM) and a normal chicken lacking the FM duplication. These samples help us validate qPCR signal behavior when only one copy of the FM region is present, particularly in a mixed genetic background.
2. Normal Chickens (Non-FM): 3-5 samples
We also require samples from the non-FM chickens used in the cross. These serve as critical negative controls and help detect any residual signals that might affect test accuracy.
3. Homozygous FM/FM: 3-5 samples.
Also Breeders need to submit any birds the breeder considers pure (FM/FM).
Nevertheless it is important for the breeder to understand that there are several reasons why some heterozygous Ayam Cemani (FM/Ø) may appear to be homozygous (FM/FM).
FM/FM chickens exhibit an intense and uniform black pigmentation in feathers, skin, internal organs, bones, and combs. However, a heterozygous Ayam Cemani (FM/Ø) may appear homozygous (FM/FM) due to the following reasons:
1. High Phenotypic Expression:
Some heterozygous individuals may display a nearly indistinguishable black phenotype from homozygotes due to high melanocyte activity or epistatic effects from other genes that enhance pigmentation.
2. Effect of Genetic Modifiers:
The presence of additional genes that regulate melanin production can cause heterozygotes to exhibit pigmentation similar to that of homozygotes. These modifier genes increase the proliferation and migration of melanocytes (such as EDN3, MITF, SOX10), and promote the production of eumelanin (such as MC1R), while reducing interference from pigmentation-antagonistic genes (such as ASIP).
3. Intrastrand Recombination:
In some cases, a recombination event may duplicate the FM region again on one of the FM/Ø alleles, creating an apparent FM/FM genotype.
4. Variation in the Duplication:
Some FM alleles may carry a partial or atypical duplication, which can result in confusing qPCR results.
Research into these genes is complex due to limited available data and requires further investigation. If a cross between a Normal (non-FM) and an FM/FM produces normal offspring, then that supposed FM/FM individual is actually FM/Ø.
We remain confident in the accuracy and utility of our Fibromelanosis Test as a powerful tool for identifying the presence and zygosity of this important trait. At the same time, we are committed to continuously refining our interpretive framework in line with the latest scientific findings. Needles to say that our Company DOES NOT SHARE any results with any other breeders or institutions. Results remain confidential and in our Company database.
We welcome breeders who are interested in participating in this initiative or in submitting reference samples. Your collaboration is essential to deepening the understanding of fibromelanosis and enhancing the quality of genetic testing for the entire avian breeding community.
If you are interested in this test, please contact us at
[email protected] or text us at +1 786 418 1245
—
IQ BirdTesting – Advancing Precision in Avian Genetics
