What is epigenetics? Why do I need to know? And what’s it got to do with racing pigeons?
Fanciers can make a difference!
This article might seem a little complicated at first glance but bear with me all will come clear as i attempt to translate the science into practical common sense to help pigeon racing become a more pleasurable experience so that fanciers can enjoy their bird’s more. Hopefully translating into achieving better racing results as well. Quite a big ask I hear you say well let’s get started and see.
There’s been lots of advances in scientific studies over the last few decades which by learning the basics of them are applicable to our bird’s as well as ourselves.
In this article we will concentrate on genetics more specifically epigenetics so here goes!
Firstly I’m sure you will all heard of DNA which in humans animals and birds determines our genes which our parents passed onto us. I’m also sure that you are aware that doctors ask you about your close families history to determine if you are more susceptible to contracting this or that disease. I hope you are with me so far. You then get confirmation that you do in fact carry this gene! You immediately reside yourself to the fact that there’s nothing I can do it’s inevitable that my fate is sealed. Well not necessarily not according to the recently widely accepted field of epigenetics.
So to answer the question what is epigenetics? Put into a very simple form epigenetics is the study of gene expression. Imagine it as the switch that can’t change the DNA we were born with but it can activate it into expressing its self differently by stretching and binding it to different degrees. With me so far? Come on hang in there with me! What then causes this reaction to manipulate the DNA this is exciting bit well that’s what I thought. It’s caused by lots of different variables that we have control of every day things for example how much sleep we get what I like to call rest and repair, the food we eat, the liquid we drink, the exercise we do, the chemicals we come into contact with and the air we breathe. Essentially life I hear you say and yes I have to agree but and this brings the second question I raised at the beginning which is why do I need to know this? Well forgive me for being so presumptuous but the last time I looked we do have some control over our actions concerning the short list of variables above. Which means that it’s in our power to change our destiny to the point where you can say to yourself it really doesn’t have to be this way just because you inherited your parents DNA quite amazing and profound don’t you think.
Yeah yeah get on with it I hear you say what’s that got to do with racing pigeons?
Very timely! Nicely put I will proceed.
Ever wondered why some great fanciers can take any racing pigeons no matter what fancy names and pedigrees or not and in a short time they will have them performing out of turn and winning lots of prizes and you as a fancier think I’ll have to get some of those bird’s look what they can do. You part with your hard earned money race them and come to the conclusion now I’ll try and put this politely these bird’s arnt as good as my own. You put it down to experience and duly go and buy named bird’s with fantastic pedigrees and try again! It’s not the bird’s although I agree there can be subtle differences in type and form but the basics in each racing pigeon are the same. What’s more important is what the fancier does to turn on, off or the varying degrees of this process. In other words it’s you which determines the results of your bird’s in your control using a basic form of epigenetics. I know it’s easy to in parrot style copy other fanciers and yes on a level this will give rewards but to stand out from the crowd and become one of the fanciers that others follow just first realise that it’s you that control your destiny and you by your actions through epigenetics control what results your bird’s get, what diseases they get and how happy both you and your bird’s are in the process because ultimately that’s what this wonderful sport is about isn’t it!
Remember this philosophy works wonders for you as well.
Please note: I am not a medical professional or a veterinarian so please discuss any changes with you health professional before your implement any changes on yourself.
I am though passionate about racing pigeons and have been all my life and endeavor to share my knowledge with like minded others. It is totally your choice should you wish to implement any of my findings.
Yours in sport
Dave Bunker Brierley 2020
