The Ten Commandments of every Pedigree

[Guest Freebird]

Came across this and thought some of you racing guys might be interested. A lot of reading (if you want to) but thought even one of the "commandments" might help someone put their mind at ease. All 10 are listed at the end of the article.

http://www.angelfire.com/ga/huntleyloft/Genetics_Chapter_4.html

[Guest Owen]

What a cracking article. It proves the point reagrding the idea of progeny testing though, does'nt it?

[Guest Freebird]

What a cracking article. It proves the point reagrding the idea of progeny testing though, does'nt it?

 

I won't kid you Owen, I had to google "progeny testing" mate and yes I think it does prove the point. I know from past posting you have been involved in this field with cattle so you will have a better grasp than most. I find pigeon genetics both fascinating and difficult to understand

(dizzy)

[Guest Owen]

Freebird, to be honest, there is a lot of Bull spoken about the genetics of pigeons. No-one can see what genes a racing pigeon has in relation to performance. The only reliable way to know is by testing them on the road.(Progeny testing).  Even that is a bit of a gamble because of all the threats the poor little devils have to their safety. Wires, BOP, and goodness knows what else can give you a false result. I have long since stopped breeding from untested stock. Years ago I would happilly breed from all the birds I had in the loft. And as each year went by I had the same dismal results. These days I only breed from Stock that have proven themselves by selecting from those that I actually race. OK, from time to time I will try a new bird out but I am always very suspicious of it and will severly test the young to avoid going backwards, breeding wise.

I am often surprised at the fact that a lot of people continually buy birds in. I know of people who spend a lot of money every year to try to stay ahead of the game. To me, this is admitting that you do not know what you are doing in regard to livestock management. I am facinated with the art of breeding and it is a big part of why I keep the birds. Besides, I like to think that the team of birds that I have are unique, because they are a blend of birds that have flown well and earned the right to breed.

Owen

[Guest Freebird]

Makes sence to me Owen.

[Guest The main Mahon]

Freebird, to be honest, there is a lot of Bull spoken about the genetics of pigeons. No-one can see what genes a racing pigeon has in relation to performance. The only reliable way to know is by testing them on the road.(Progeny testing).  Even that is a bit of a gamble because of all the threats the poor little devils have to their safety. Wires, BOP, and goodness knows what else can give you a false result. I have long since stopped breeding from untested stock. Years ago I would happilly breed from all the birds I had in the loft. And as each year went by I had the same dismal results. These days I only breed from Stock that have proven themselves by selecting from those that I actually race. OK, from time to time I will try a new bird out but I am always very suspicious of it and will severly test the young to avoid going backwards, breeding wise.

I am often surprised at the fact that a lot of people continually buy birds in. I know of people who spend a lot of money every year to try to stay ahead of the game. To me, this is admitting that you do not know what you are doing in regard to livestock management. I am facinated with the art of breeding and it is a big part of why I keep the birds. Besides, I like to think that the team of birds that I have are unique, because they are a blend of birds that have flown well and earned the right to breed.

 

 

 

Very good post Owen