Genetics in Racing Pigeons

50-50 of course

In the genetics of racing pigeons, as with other animals, each offspring inherits 50% of its genetic material from the father and 50% from the mother. This means that both sons and daughters inherit, on average, an equal amount of genetic material from both parents.

The idea that a son inherits 75% of his genetic material from the mother and a daughter 75% from the father is incorrect according to the principles of genetics.

Every offspring receives an equal division of genetic material: 50% from the father and 50% from the mother.

Science
There are no scientific sources that support the concept that sons inherit 75% of their genetic material from the mother or daughters 75% from the father. Such a claim would contradict the fundamental laws of genetics as outlined in studies of heredity and inheritance patterns.

Nature surprises us
However, could it be possible that traits like intelligence, street smarts, determination, and fighting spirit are passed down through a different mechanism? While the equal distribution of genetic material remains a biological fact, certain traits might be influenced more heavily by the activation of specific genes, interactions between genes, or epigenetic factors that differ between the maternal and paternal lines. This area invites further exploration to understand whether certain characteristics might have a unique inheritance pattern.

Summary
In summary, in racing pigeons, as in other animals, the genetic contribution from both parents is equally distributed to their offspring, but the way specific traits manifest could involve complexities beyond the basic 50/50 genetic split.

My Observations and Questions
I mention that buyers at my breeding loft are specifically choosing birds based on traits like black feet, a fully black tail tip, or preferences for daughters or sons. These preferences highlight the blend of intuition, traditional beliefs, and genetics that often shapes pigeon breeding.

Could this be an opportunity to explore together what is fact, what is myth, and what falls in between? Understanding why certain physical traits are associated with performance—or whether such links even exist—might deepen our shared knowledge. Perhaps combining feelings, anecdotes, and hard genetic facts can help clarify whether these traits are purely aesthetic, tied to performance, or simply rooted in long-held fables.

I would love to hear your thoughts on this and whether there is scope to learn more from each other!