Dr Ferdinand Vandersanden

BIFS
Birds Insemination and Fertilisation Station
Strodorp 41
3620 Lanaken
België
Tel.: (32)089 / 72 17 76
Fax: (32)089 / 73 18 25
http//home.tiscali.be/BIFS
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Glossary of Terms:

Olig-elements - substances and minerals, which are easily absorbed by the blood

Methionine - A sulfur-containing essential amino acid, C5H11NO2S, obtained from various proteins or prepared synthetically and used as a dietary supplement and in pharmaceuticals.

Aberration - A deviation from the proper or expected course.

Lamella - A thin scale, plate, or layer of bone or tissue, as in the gills of a bivalve mollusk or around the minute vascular canals in bone.

Rachitis - Inflammation of the vertebral column 2: childhood disease caused by deficiency of vitamin D and sunlight associated with impaired metabolism of calcium and phosphorus.

1. The way to success!

Pigeon racing is not just a game in which you have to depend on coincidence. Success in pigeon racing is a result of a combination of several factors. First you have to consider that you cannot achieve success without having good pigeons. A good pigeon can be compared to an athlete who has to have certain physical and mental qualities. Therefore the best way to breed good pigeons is by starting from/with pigeons that already have proven their sportive capacities. This is the only way to build a quality stock. The loft itself is without a doubt, the second most important factor that leads to success. In a well-kept loft the pigeons keep in good health and show their sportive qualities. The ideal place for them in which to stay dry, sunny and well ventilated but without draughts. It should be adaptable regarding the weather conditions and position. Management is important factor number three. The pigeon flyer holds the key to success. He is the trainer who takes care of the physical preparation by selecting the preparatory flights, by adapting the loft and environment to the weather conditions and by choosing suitable feeding and complementary products. Although it is relatively easy to get good pigeons and a good loft, the skill is not that easy to acquire and experience and knowledge are needed.

Because of all these reasons, we have compiled this brochure to help you in your job as a sportive trainer.

2. The orthomolecular feeding nutrients.

A pigeon lives in harmony with nature by following the biological rhythms of the seasons. The bigger part of its time will be spend on seeking for food for itself and/or it’s young. It eats a lot of grains, seeds as well as chlorophyll, obtained from green plants. Nevertheless it is an illusion to believe that a restricted number of grains, originating from intensive agriculture can provide all the necessary nutrients to make the organism (pigeon) function properly and to maximum capacity. By the way, it has been proven that modern intensive agricultural methods have reduced the quality of the soils and therefore, nutrients lack indispensable, essential elements. The latter has therefore to be provided to the pigeons by the pigeon flyer. Here we touch the domain of the ortho -molecular medicine. (The Greek word ‘Orthos’ means honest).

The “spiritual father” of orthomolecular medicine is the American biochemist called Linus Pauling, twice winner of a Nobel rize. This researcher has studied the physiological role of the micronutrients since 1960 and created the basis for a new medicine. Certain substances have to be added to the organism (the pigeon) in the right proportion before it will ensure optimum functioning with a guarantee for a good health. Therefore at BIFS we have developed supplements, adapted to the different periods of life of our feathered athletes, to prevent shortages caused by poor nutrition related to modern grain production. Every shortage causes a weakening of the organism and therefore a lower resistance level against diseases.

VIGORAMINE 700g Condition vitamin great value

Vigoramine is a complex of vitamins, amino acids and oligo – elements, dosed very precisely. The micro – nutrients balance the daily ration to the pigeon without risking overdose and any deficiencies.

It is recommendable to use the vitamin supplement throughout the year by adding one spoonful per 1kg of grain.

VITAMOLT 500ml Moulting time vitamin

The moulting period is a very important period for the pigeon and demands the supply of specific set up compound of nutrients. By studying the composition of the feathers Vitamolt has been developed to meet the specific needs of the pigeon and definitely not to be a phenomenon of fashion. It also offers a higher concentration of methionin . Vitamolt enriches the ration by adding a supplement of vitamins and amino acids, which are essential for the making, and building f a quality feather.

Vitamolt can be added to the drinking water at the rate of a spoonful per litre water. To avoid degrading the quality by leaving too long in the drinking water, we advise a dose of 1 spoonful (15ml) per 1 kg. of grain, sprinkled with 15gr Vigoramine. Repeat this 2 to 3 times per week during the moulting period.

OLIGOFERTIL 500ml Breeding vitamin

Oligofertil is a drinkable mineral solution, which supplies the pigeons with Calcium, Phosphor, oligo elements and essential amino acids. The formula of this solution has especially been studied to ensure the correct digestive flora of theigeon by considering the acid base balance. Oligofertil prevents lack of minerals and therefore aberration of the skeleton and the feet, growth restraints, weak eggshell and lacks of oligo elements for the embryo. The added oligo elements ensure the correct functioning of the numerous glands and enzymes, thus a stimulation to the overall functioning of the pigeons.

We advise a starting period (5 days) with each day adding 1 spoonful (15ml) per litre of water. Then we maintain the same dose once or twice per week. It is very important to add Oligofertil during the period where the cock is driving to nest because some of the males can be so passionate and do not give the females enough opportunity to feed. The intake of Oligofertil via the drinking water guarantees an excellent fertility and a perfect growth for the young.

This is an excellent line of winners that have produced class pigeons whose sire is a winner of 5th National 19,676 birds and also twice prov winner. The dam is also from good stock being a half sister to 1st Barcelona winner and inturn is a g-daughter of 734 twice 1st National Limoges.

3. The Energy Sources

ENERGETIC CAPS:

Before the flight, birds stock up fats in abundance to be able to produce energy during the flight. Fats stocked up in the ectoral muscle supply the pigeon with energy for 70% of the flight. These fats deliver twice as much energy than the same amount of sugars (carbohydrates) or proteins. They are burnt by an aerobic biochemical process, which doesn’t produce any lactic acid.

This prevents a rapid muscular exhaustion. Unlike migratory birds, a pigeon doesn’t know that it is going to be put into a basket and it doesn’t get the opportunity to prepare for its trip, so it’s up to the pigeon fancier to ensure this. The essential fatty acids (linoleic acid, linolene acid and arachidon acid) can’t be produced by the organism although they are indispensable for several physiological processes. Energetic caps are a source of unsatisfied fatty acids, easily digestible by the organism and it allows an individual diet preparation. This forced supply contributes to a supplementary endurance capacity for the pigeon.

It’s the ideal product for an individual preparation. We advise that the pigeons be given 1 capsule in the morning and 1 in the evening for two days preceding the day of basketing.

PERFORMOIL 500ml:

Performoil digests very easily and unites, combines the strength of the Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids.

So it is a real source of flight fuel supplying the endurance capacity and speed although these two qualities are not easy to combine. The pigeon gets its energy from the burning of fats. Whenever the pigeon displays round pectoral muscles, hey contain numerous minuscule oil drops supplying the necessary fuel for the return flight. Therefore it’s reasonable to say that the feeding diet plays a significant part in the preparation for middle distance and long distance flights or races. Giving Performoil the last few days prior to basketing increases the muscular tone and makes it easier to keep balance during the flight. Several active processes simplify the respiration and therefore the muscular oxygenation. Performoil is enriched with chlorophyll the substantial component of plants. A spoonful per 1 kg of grain from the fifth till the second day before basketing will be sufficient.

This is one of the great racing and breeding cocks at the "Bifs" station and has been paired to daughters of all the top pigeons making the breeding hard to beat. We have 12 direct children off this cock including 5 when his spern was used with "Mooi Oogje" the top breeding hen responsible for many winners including 1st Ace Pigeon 5th National Ace Pigeon and top class prov pigeons, she is also a daughter of 1st national Ace Pigeon KBDB long distance 94. "Mooi Oogje" is a daughter of "Kleine Barcelona" when he was paired to "Aphrodite" 23rd National hens Barcelona 136th Open.

Youngsters direct from this cock with different hens are priced from £300 to £500 each.

4. Hygiene of the digestive system.

The digestive system of pigeons contains an abundant microbial flora in which several kinds of bacteria live together along the total length of the digestive system. Some balance will install itself between the bacterial populations to enable them to live together. This flora forms the ecosystem of the digestive system and uses the nutrients present in the digestive system to survive. Young pigeons also get micro organisms via the crop milk, which they will keep, for life. The bacterial population of the crop mainly consists of specific Lactobacilli. These produce lots of lactic acid and this level of acidity forms a natural barrier against the development of bacteria such as Salmonella (paratyphoid) and E.coli (collibacillosis). This forms a natural defence mechanism that should be kept intact no matter what. Although the bacteria multiplication in the first part of the intestinal canal is weak, the substantial volume of the microbes, is to be found primarily in the large intestine. In this flora there are microbes having a residual pathogen capacity such as the coli-bacteria and the Streptococcus Bovis. The ecosystem in the digestive system is balanced and normally stays this way. However when the pigeon is susceptible to certain aggressive factors such as stress, unbalanced nutrition, massive serving of antibiotics,

antiseptics or substances disturbing the intestinal PH, the balance will be broken and unfortunately this will lead to multiplication of most of the pathogen germs. Therefore our intestinal conditioners have been developed with the greatest care to keep this balance and to enforce to the maximum

ENTEROCUR 500g: Intestine conditioner

Enterocur is a natural silicate, finely subdivided in a lamellar structure of exceptional quality. These extreme small particles have remarkable qualities. Their absorbing capacities are endless by comparison to the gas present in the digestive system. Enterocur also acts against bacterial agents and toxins, which it neutralizes. This absorption is selective. With normal doses it has no influence, no effect on the nutritional substances such as vitamins and oligo-elements. So Enterocur is the ideal addition to get the tired, exhausted pigeons back in good shape. The digestive system of the pigeon is put to a tough test during the transport to the release point and during the return flight as well. The formed toxins have to be evacuated as well as the pathogen germs, which may have attacked the digestive system. Enterocur quickens the elimination of these “disturbing elements” and does so efficiently thanks to its high selective fixative capacity. Moreover, Enterocur is a natural preparation that supplies a gastric mucus layer compounds, which reduce the intestinal inflammation. Its use is recommended for the combat against adenovirus infections and infections caused by E-coli and Streptococcus Bovis. Enterocur is especially useful with diarrhoea as it reduces the losses of body fluid by forming an intestinal protection layer which not only minimalises the inflammation but also normalizes the consistency of the droppings. However, there is a lot more than that to Enterocur. It is also a nutrient full of oligo-elements, which restore the balance and stimulates the tired pigeon. Enterocur fights rachitis and can be given during the breeding season. As a preventative and to eliminate toxins, we advise to serve 2 spoonfuls per 1 kg of grain on arrival after the race, together with 10ml Sb-Special. Repeat this for a further 1 to 3 days according to the tiredness of the pigeon. In case of intestinal problem we advise 1 soupspoon per 1 kg of grain together with 10ml Sb-Special for 10 days.

VIOR 1lt Acidification

The digestive system of birds is very important to increase the resistance against infections, as it is one big access road for several bacteria such as Salmonella, Colibacilli, and Streptococcus etc. Fortunately there are substances, which assist to increase the resistance. That’s why these substances are used more and more in industrial breeding of poultry to counteract diseases like Salmonella. Lots of pigeon fanciers regularly serve apple vinegar to their pigeons. Apple vinegar is good for the human physiology since it plays an important role/part in the cholesterol housekeeping. The answer to the question of whether pigeons too have cholesterol problems, is NO. Vior has especially been developed for pigeons and show birds. This product is the result of numerous tests by nutrition experts. Vior is a 100% natural product based on extracts of plants. These extracts have been created by mixing plants with weak acids of which the pH-value has been calculated according to the digestive system of the pigeons in order to create optimum functioning. Vior however, has got more to offer. It’s a source of oligo-elements (substances and minerals which are easily absorbed by the blood). It is very rich in iron, which plays an important role in the metabolism of pigeons. Iron is the building material of the haemoglobin in the red blood cell. Via the haemoglobin the oxygen transport in the body is monitored. The oxygen plays a major part in the functioning of the muscles. Advantageously Vior contains iron in organic form, which can easily be absorbed by the body, which is not the case with other nutrition supplements. Moreover it also contains silicic acid, which is essential for the plumage of the pigeons. Therefore, it is rather important to serve Vior regularly with the drinking water to get an excellent plumage. During moulting time it is necessary to serve Vior daily in the drinking water. At the start of the flying season it is advisable to do this for a fortnight and twice a week afterwards. It is also important to serve Vior to the young in the nest to stimulate the acidification of the crop. Starting the training of young pigeons, Vior is indispensable because of the acidification of crop and gland stomach the starting of the adenovirus is prevented. Research has shown that Vior suppresses the increase of Coccidiosis. It has been proven that Vior improves the general condition of the pigeons by making the breast more pink and shiny, the feather shinier and by improving the sporting achievements.

SB- SPECIAL

Streptococcus Bovis is present in 80% of pigeon lofts. This bacterium causes sudden death among pigeons and it is responsible for symptoms comparable to those of paratyphoid. This complicates the treatment since the antibiotics used against Salmonella are inactive to Streptococcus Bovis. Our investigation has stimulated us to develop B-Special, which offers a (preventative) protection against Streptococcus Bovis. Moreover, this special product stimulates the immune response of the organism and its regular use will prevent a lot of disappointment and discouragement. It is advisable to start the sporting season with a 10day treatment with a dose of 10ml per 1 kg of grain, followed by a maintenance treatment of the same dose once or twice a week.

Optimising the digestion

T-CUR

For ages pigeon fanciers have liked to give tea to their pigeons. The use of herbs is not always practical since it needs some preparation. To make all these preparations redundant we have developed an easy to serve tea. These liquid extracts have been drawn from several plants according to their cholegogical, diuretic and stomach activities. Moreover it also contains 2 substances known for their impact on the liver. At the end of the flying season, the pigeon is physically tired by the many efforts and the heavy moult will start. To make this happen perfectly, firstly it is most important to drain the toxic substances accumulated during the season. The regular use of T-Cur during the moulting period brings a feathering of exceptional quality. We do advise a 10-day treatment right before the start of the moulting period. If the fat content in the body is considerably high (cyanotic=blue muscles) the treatment has to be continued until the symptoms disappear. Normally this takes a fortnight. After that, go on with it for 1 or 2 days a week to maintain the well functioning of the liver. T-Cur is an indispensable product in this sport because it adjusts the excess of nutrition, which causes the so-called “blue skin”. Moreover it stimulates the conditioning in spring time (10day cure), it maintains an optimal condition during the flying season (once a week) and is strongly advisable if you see any loss of condition (5day cure).

T-Cur is served on a dose of 1 teaspoon per litre drinking water.

Puravital

The moulting is a natural physiological process by pigeons in good shape. The fanciers are very alert at moulting time and they will follow the change of feathers very closely. A good moult will enhance the chance of success for the future season. Lab analysis shows that the feather is composed of proteins and minerals. The modern mixtures “Moulting specials” often contains a lot of seeds with “high oil” content and which are a source for high-protein. These seeds are more difficult to digest and also because the pigeons are tired at the end of the season by their continual efforts. That’s why we have developed a moulting programme to become a complete purification of the organism and to achieve a harmonious moult after the racing season.

Cckuur

Cckuur is a special developed plant extract with a particular effect. Many pigeons are infected with bacteria and fungus and become resistant against several treatments from excessive indulgence in antibiotics. In some young pigeons there is an adeno infection in many cases, accompanied by coli bacteria. Cckuur kills in a natural way, coli bacteria and fungus. Preventive: twice each week and every 6 weeks a treatment of 10 days during the year. Cckuur and Sb special will increase the immunity system of the pigeon.

6. Some important periods in this sport.

THE BREEDING PERIOD

This period is very important as it ensures the future of the loft. We especially focus our attention to the hen pigeons as they play a far more important role than the cock birds. After all they not only produce half of the chromosomes but also the indispensable nutrition agents for the development of the embryonic life in the egg. These nutrition substances enable the genetic qualities, put in by both the parents, to show. So it is important to avoid nutrition deficiencies in order to couple, pair off. It is not necessary to serve antibiotics preventatively before the pairing. If you have any doubts about your breeders’ health, do not hesitate to consult a veterinarian who specializes in pigeons. It is recommendable to vaccinate the pigeons 2 to 3 weeks before the pairing. This enables young pigeons to benefit from the parental resistance transferred via the egg yolk. To make your breeding work, we advise you to follow our “breeding scheme”. It is especially important to be very attentive during the first breeding period of the season because the weather conditions generally are not very favourable and also because the pigeons have almost finished their moulting period. These first round youngsters will be key to maintaining the fame of the loft in the National races for young pigeons.

Vichol -

Is based on Vitamin B12, carnitine and creatinine. Vitamin B12 is very helpful in the protection and detoxification of the liver and is widely used within the pigeon sport. Pigeons need creatine for the contractions of their muscles and they need carnitine to heighten their physical condition. Carnitine is a betaine commonly occurring in the liver and in skeletal muscle that functions in fatty acid transport across mitochondrial membranes. Betaine is a sweet crystalline alkaloid occurring in sugar beets and other plants and is used in the treatment of certain metabolic disorders. A mitocondrion is spherical or elongated and contains genetic material and many enzymes important for cell metabolism, including those responsible for the conversion of food to usable energy. Creatine is a nitrogenous organic acid that is found in the muscle tissue of vertebrates and is mainly found in the form of phosphocreatine and supplies energy for muscle contraction. Vitamin B12 is a complex compound containing cobalt, found especially in the liver and widely used to treat pernicious anemia and is also called cobalamin or cyanocobalamin. Cyanocobalamin is a member of the water-soluble B vitamin group, important in the proper function of the nervous system and important in proper metabolism of carbohydrate, protein and fats.

Recupforte -

Recovers fast and stimulates the condition.

Total exhausted pigeons recover in no time at all after the use of Recupforte.

THE WEANING OF YOUNG PIGEONS

When weaning young pigeons we advise a 10day cure with Vior added to the drinking water and to mix the grain with B-Special, Enterocur (5 days) and Vigoramine (5 days). Then serve Vior and Oligofertil in the drinking water and Sb-Special with Vigoramine spread over the feed to get solid young pigeons with a high resistance for the first flights/races.

THE COMPETITION FLIGHTS/ RACES

Before starting the competition it is important to get the pigeons in good shape. This implies the elimination/removal of the winter down as well as draining the toxins accumulated during wintertime. Therefore we advise to serve T-Cur during 10 days in spring before starting the sportive preparations.

THE BIG MOULTING PERIOD

Every pigeon fancier attentively follows the course of the big moult at the end of summer. The feathers are built of strongly mineralised proteins. Analysis of the elements of the feathers has inspired us to the development of Vitamolt. Its construction can be compared to a liquid feather. Together with Vigoramine it is your best trump card to get a magnificent feathering of exceptional quality. During the whole of the moulting period you should serve 1 soupspoon of Vitamolt per 1kg of grain 3 days a week mixed with 1 soupspoon of Vigoramine and 1 teaspoon of Vior per litre drinking water.

B.I.F.S.
(Birds Insemination and Fertilisation Station)

Strodorp 41, 3620 Veldwezelt-Lanaken (Belgium)
Tel.:0032/89/72.17.76       Fax: 0032/89/73.18.25

Directors: Ing. Duchatel J.P.,Dhr. Geurts Harry, Dr. Vandersanden F.

Centre for artificial insemination of racing pigeons

• Testing of your cocks on good sperm;
• Sperm of good quality and quantity can be divided into several portions to inseminate 4 - 6 females.
• here is a possibility to conserve sperm of top - rated male pigeons.We can freeze the semen to -196^oC in liquid nitrogen. This method gives you the opportunity to have sperm taken before selling your pigeon, before a race (when you're afraid for loosing him).

In our station the females are paired with sterilised cocks and on day 6 and 7 we can inseminate the females.The quantity and quality of pigeon sperm can be determined on the basis of a microscopic examination. These measured values are decisive for the fertility of a pigeon.A certificate of them can be delivered at a possible sale of the racing pigeons.

Advantages of artificial insemination:

• A large number of offspring can be bred at a very short period without damaging the breeding pigeons;
• Very easy line - breeding;
• A good pigeon can still participate in competitive racing, whereas it can also be involved in breeding;
• The frozen sperm of a top class cock will give you certainty for years to breed offspring of a former top - class pigeon as yet, at whatever time

Yours sincerely,

Dr. Vandersanden F.

Prices for artificial insemination on request