Fibromelanosis (FM)

Fibromelanosis (FM): iQ Genetics is happy to announce our new
internally-developed test that detects the FM alleles in chickens
bird dna sexing with egg shells

Fibromelanosis (FM) Test

Fibromelanosis (FM) in chickens is a unique pigmentation phenotype, primarily seen in the Silkie, Svarthöna, and
Ayam Cemani chicken breeds, where it causes extensive black pigmentation of the skin and internal tissues. This
pigmentation results from an inverted duplication of genomic regions on Gallus Gallus autosome 20, leading to
increased expression of the endothelin 3 (EDN3) gene, a key regulator of melanoblast and melanocyte proliferation.


Our newly revised FM test uses an innovative method to discriminate between homozygous (Fm/Fm) and heterozygous
(Fm/n) birds in the Cemani population with dermal hyperpigmentation

 
The Fm mutation is dominant, so only one copy of the Fm allele is needed to express the melanized skin phenotype
(heterozygous (Fm/N), particularly in females. However, in confirmed homozygous Fm, the intensity of pigmentation
will vary depending on other melanin inhibiting or enhancing genes a specimen may possess. Breeders of all black
plumage varieties of chickens may also be interested to learn that our company is currently developing a separate test
to be launched soon that focuses on the E locus to determine the presence of recessive alleles that produce wildtype
offspring from otherwise black feathered birds.
Pricing
- Test price: $45.00 per test
- Discounted packages:
  - 10 tests: $40.00 per test
  - 25 tests: $35.00 per test

 
 

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Collecting Samples
Blood Sample Only Permitted

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