New Fibro Test - Participants Needed

[SourRoses]

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

 

[Debbie292d]

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

That's so cool!

I wish they'd do other breeds too! If they'd do silkies for example, I'd be all over that! Hopefully, they do get a bunch of participants and get 'er done though!

Gotta love advances in science concerning poultry!

 

[SourRoses]

That's so cool!

I wish they'd do other breeds too! If they'd do silkies for example, I'd be all over that! Hopefully, they do get a bunch of participants and get 'er done though!

Gotta love advances in science concerning poultry!

I don't know if I was reading it right, but I think they were only focusing on Ayam Cemani as a way to make sure they got some full fibro samples as well as the hetero and such. I wonder if a breeder of quality silkies with homo fibro reached out to them, they might include more breeds in their initial testing?
But I'm sure the end test would work on other breeds... right?

In my project, I have Mosaic descendants (mixed). Some think their version of fibro may be a mutation...? I've often read it referred to as partial fibro, but in good flocks it breeds true.
I was left with only one Fibro hen, and all my roos were white shanked (inhibitor). But thankfully one roo came along with recessive slate shanks, so crossing her with him has produced 4 or 5 chicks out there with fibro. Some are chocolate and I'm a little confused if they are truly fibro or lots of melanin.
I wish this test was available already, and I hope when it is it will work for my stock too!

 

[Slothinc]

That is so cool - I totally wish this test was available as my chickens have skin color all over the place, and I have many questions about why! Especially wondering more about dominant white with fibro skin - is that a possible combination? All of my white babies from paint breeding are little pinky skinned chicks. So I am wondering if they just ALL didn’t receive the black skin due to dominant white blocking the dark skin genetically, or if they all got very unlucky and inherited 2 non fibro genes. So confusing.

 

[Skyeknight]

Especially wondering more about dominant white with fibro skin - is that a possible combination?

That is possible! There is a whole designer crossbreed called the zombie with that specific trait. Most often Ayam Cemani roo on white leghorn hen is used, but other breeds are possible as well. It is also known as Pearl Onyx in hatcheries. And there is/was a person trying to make them breed true named Moonbeams

 

[Slothinc]

That is possible! There is a whole designer crossbreed called the zombie with that specific trait. Most often Ayam Cemani roo on white leghorn hen is used, but other breeds are possible as well. It is also known as Pearl Onyx in hatcheries. And there is/was a person trying to make them breed true named Moonbeams

Oh yes! Sorry, I meant having 2 copies of dominant white, with fibro skin. I am guessing it probably is possible, but I haven’t been able to achieve it with my chickens yet (this project uses silkie crosses.)

I love the zombie look! I have a couple of paint silkies and crosses with the dark skin and it is beautiful. But I believe all of them are heterozygous for fibro so I think I am just getting unlucky.

 

[Skyeknight]

Oh yes! Sorry, I meant having 2 copies of dominant white, with fibro skin. I am guessing it probably is possible, but I haven’t been able to achieve it with my chickens yet (this project uses silkie crosses.)

I love the zombie look! I have a couple of paint silkies and crosses with the dark skin and it is beautiful. But I believe all of them are heterozygous for fibro so I think I am just getting unlucky.

Still very much possible.

https://backyardpoultry.iamcountryside.com/chickens-101/developing-moonbeam-chickens/

https://www.hotoffthenest.com/blog/moonbeam-chickens

 

[Slothinc]

Read both articles, thanks for sharing! I don’t know how she thinks she can have a moonbeam chicken that will breed true, as that isnt possible with this combination. Much like BBS, a single copy of dominant white will not breed true.

If two “paint” chickens are bred together, 25% will be black because they don’t have a dominant white gene, 25% will be homozygous for dominant white (no spots), and 50% will have the “paint” pattern which is one copy of dominant white.

I did read something on her blog that makes sense with what I am seeing though. I’ll attach a pic of what she says, which is consistent with what I am seeing with the pink skinned whites.

I love that she is working on this project, her birds look a lot like mine, including having autosomal red popping up! Makes me feel a little better about the mess I am creating

 

[SourRoses]

That is so cool - I totally wish this test was available as my chickens have skin color all over the place, and I have many questions about why! Especially wondering more about dominant white with fibro skin - is that a possible combination? All of my white babies from paint breeding are little pinky skinned chicks. So I am wondering if they just ALL didn’t receive the black skin due to dominant white blocking the dark skin genetically, or if they all got very unlucky and inherited 2 non fibro genes. So confusing.

This reminded me of a recent post in the FB group for Ermine Ameraucana. In that case, slate shanks.
I cannot vouch for accuracy, but the post makes sense to me.
Also added other quotes on Id.
___________________________________

Dominant white is a melanin inhibitor, so a bird with one copy of dominant white will have lighter colored legs than the black parent, but they should not be pink or white. If you are finding pink or white legs in your birds, you are probably also dealing with the Inhibitor of Dermal Melanin gene (Id), which is a sex linked dominant gene. This gene is not linked in any way with dominant white. Females with Id will pass it to their sons 100% of the time, so my suggestion would be to never keep a son from a pink legged Ermine female. If you use her, only breed her to a slate legged male, and only keep her daughters.
__________________________________

Id is a sex-linked inhibitor of dermal melanin. Id (which is the absence of black pigment) and id+ (which is the presence of black pigment) affect the dermal layer of skin on poultry. The id+ gene, either in the homozygous or hemizygous condition, allows the deposition of melanin in the dermis. The id+ gene expresses progressively and shank color changes gradually from light to dark with increased age up to 8 weeks. The Id and id+ genes behave in a sex-linked manner and their locus is on the sex chromosome. The birds which are homozygous, hemizygous or heterozygous for Id eventually have either white shanks (xanthophyll absent) or yellow shanks (xanthophyll present) provided no epidermal melanin is present in the shank skin. In the presence of id+ and absence of epidermal melanin, the shanks of the birds eventually become blue (xanthophyll absent) or green (xanthophyll present). A sex-linked allele, id^a causes green spotting on shanks due to small aggregates of melanin in the dermis. The number of aggregates per scale varies.
The Dominant white gene (I) can remove epidermal shank pigment and dilute dermal pigment. It does not remove dermal pigment. A study found that slate shanks can be achieved on dominant white birds that are homozygous for E and id+.
___________________________________

You have to have Fm and id+ to have dark/black skin, Fm/Fm homozygous for Fibromelanosis skin will usually be darker. id+ is sex linked recessive, it's carried on the Z sex chromosome, so hen can only be hemizygous id+/- , because hens have are Z/W and males are Z/Z so roosters would need to be id+/id+ to have black skin.
___________________________________

 

[Slothinc]

This reminded me of a recent post in the FB group for Ermine Ameraucana. In that case, slate shanks.
I cannot vouch for accuracy, but the post makes sense to me.
Also added other quotes on Id.
___________________________________

Dominant white is a melanin inhibitor, so a bird with one copy of dominant white will have lighter colored legs than the black parent, but they should not be pink or white. If you are finding pink or white legs in your birds, you are probably also dealing with the Inhibitor of Dermal Melanin gene (Id), which is a sex linked dominant gene. This gene is not linked in any way with dominant white. Females with Id will pass it to their sons 100% of the time, so my suggestion would be to never keep a son from a pink legged Ermine female. If you use her, only breed her to a slate legged male, and only keep her daughters.
__________________________________

Id is a sex-linked inhibitor of dermal melanin. Id (which is the absence of black pigment) and id+ (which is the presence of black pigment) affect the dermal layer of skin on poultry. The id+ gene, either in the homozygous or hemizygous condition, allows the deposition of melanin in the dermis. The id+ gene expresses progressively and shank color changes gradually from light to dark with increased age up to 8 weeks. The Id and id+ genes behave in a sex-linked manner and their locus is on the sex chromosome. The birds which are homozygous, hemizygous or heterozygous for Id eventually have either white shanks (xanthophyll absent) or yellow shanks (xanthophyll present) provided no epidermal melanin is present in the shank skin. In the presence of id+ and absence of epidermal melanin, the shanks of the birds eventually become blue (xanthophyll absent) or green (xanthophyll present). A sex-linked allele, id^a causes green spotting on shanks due to small aggregates of melanin in the dermis. The number of aggregates per scale varies.
The Dominant white gene (I) can remove epidermal shank pigment and dilute dermal pigment. It does not remove dermal pigment. A study found that slate shanks can be achieved on dominant white birds that are homozygous for E and id+.
___________________________________

You have to have Fm and id+ to have dark/black skin, Fm/Fm homozygous for Fibromelanosis skin will usually be darker. id+ is sex linked recessive, it's carried on the Z sex chromosome, so hen can only be hemizygous id+/- , because hens have are Z/W and males are Z/Z so roosters would need to be id+/id+ to have black skin.
___________________________________

Okay that is so awesome, thanks for sharing! Even just the first sentence was very informative - that dominant white is a melanin inhibitor. So it makes me think that the all pink skin/shank/beak babies are quite possibly dominant white that is inhibiting all color from coming through. But it is also very possible that I am dealing with ID on top of that, so I will need to make better records for shank color since that is an easy thing to see and keep track of.

Looking at some of these chicks that just hatched yesterday, I am thinking that the paint ones that do have pink legs may be males, and the slate legs may be females - if they have the ID gene.

Anyways, thanks a ton, I will really have to learn more about this since I am dealing with it in almost every hatch!