Genetic full testing for Fibromelanosis
$35.00 - $170.00
About this test
Fibromelanosis Genetic Full Testing
In pursuit of the Fibromelanosis Chicken phenotype (jet black in feathers, skin, and tissues) we recommend testing the following genes for:
1. Fibromelanosis / EDN3 duplication
Possible Results: Homozygous or Heterozygous.
Function: causes extensive black pigmentation of the skin, internal tissues and plumage.
In Ayam Cemani/Silkies: This is the defining and essential genetic feature of the breed. Without it, a chicken cannot display these chicken’s systemic black phenotype, no matter the status of the other genes.
2. E locus / MC1R (Melanocortin)
Possible Results: Detection of the 5 key Mutations that enhance black pigmentation (Extended Black or Intense Black)
Function: Switches melanocytes to produce eumelanin (black/brown) instead of phaeomelanin (red/yellow). In Ayam Cemani/Silkies: The MC1R Extended Black presence ensures that feathers and body are saturated with black pigment. Together with the fibromelanosis duplication (EDN3), it amplifies both the presence and intensity of blackness. Without the MC1R Extended Black, tissues would remain dark (from fibromelanosis), but feathers and overall eumelanin coverage would be weaker.
3. I locus / PMEL17 – Black Pigmentation Inhibitor
Possible Results: Homozygous Colored (does not affect pigmentation) / Heterozygous (affects black pigmentation).
Function: Encodes the premelanosome protein that organizes eumelanin within melanosomes. Mutations here (Dominant White allele) block or dilute black pigment in feathers.
In Ayam Cemani/Silkie Chicken: This allele directly counteracts the black phenotype, producing unwanted white feathers that mask fibromelanosis. To achieve the characteristic jet-black phenotype (plumage, skin, tissues), Ayam Cemani must not carry the Dominant White allele.
4. C locus / TYR (Tyrosinase) – Black Pigmentation Inhibitor
Possible Results: Homozygous Colored (does not affect pigmentation) / Heterozygous (affects black pigmentation).
Function: Tyrosinase catalyzes the first steps of melanin production (tyrosine → DOPA → dopaquinone). It is the gatekeeper enzyme of pigmentation. If TYR is non-functional, no melanin is produced (neither eumelanin nor pheomelanin)
In Ayam Cemani/Silkie Chicken: Any loss-of-function TYR alleles (the classic “c locus” alleles) eliminate pigmentation, producing white/cream plumage and pale skin regardless of EDN3 or MC1R status
How to collect samples
Please, check our
instructional videos
on how to collect samples