FAMILY LINES

Donnie Zehr Apr 13, 26

 The techniques to use basically fall into two areas (with many variations within these divisions): The straight (pure) family line method is very popular in England and for a large part, in the U.S. This breeding method is based on the concept that families are genetically closer and have similar gene pools and there is less likelihood of variation in the end product. Variation, in and of itself, is not inherently good or bad. It can be either. 

When breeding along family lines, variation is kept to a minimum. The resulting animal is more predictable in size, coloration and ability. The “family” technique follows basically an in-line breeding format in an attempt to isolate the genetic characteristics that made the champions of this family famous. The idea here is that if enough genetic characteristics are retained in each producer, then eventually the entire loft will be directly reflective of those past champions. The goal is to have a loft full of racing champions based on a single, or several bird(s). Two concerns enter the picture at this point: (1) As the genetic pool is concentrated with “like” genes, good and bad things happen. “Good” genes are doubled-up enhancing the new offspring’s likelihood of repeating the champion’s feats. If this were the only result of close breeding, then there wouldn’t be any challenge. Unfortunately, the “bad” genes are also doubled-up. These are more likely recessives and don’t physically appear in the champion, being overcome by the dominant genes. But as they double-up, the recessive “bad” genes become dominant and trouble starts. This introduces the second area of concern: (2) Even with “sound-appearing” inbreds, performance can suffer as vitality and drive (heart) wane. In severe cases deformities occur. One way to combat this genetic slide is through severe culling and “basket-judging.” Top performers survive to reproduce—The Law of the Jungle. Unfortunately, this method can not stop the slide if there is a major genetic flaw in the line. The use of family line breeding also produces a large majority of “average” pigeons. Average pigeons ruin a loft faster than poor pigeons. They somehow eventually find their way into the stock loft and reproduce more of their own kind. In contrast, crossing of two lines produces fewer average pigeons and more at the opposite ends of the spectrum. When working with family line close breeding, looking for variations within the family itself, helps maintain genetic vitality. Difference in eye color is a good example. The noting of birds with contrasting eyes has been found to yield a higher degree of competent performers (probably not supported by scientific fact, just observations made by many top breeders).

Another method of maintaining strict family lines, but avoiding the pitfalls of overbreeding, would be to establish linebred families within the inbred (related) group. Inbreeding back to two different champions and hen crossing the offspring works wonders. Finding ways to keep variation within a tight family pays dividends in the long run, for the mating of related inbreds brings the percentage of good racers way down. Top breeders are produced by inbreeding and the best racers come from these crosses. 

Another method of maintaining strict family lines, but avoiding the pitfalls of overbreeding, would be to establish linebred families within the inbred (related) group. Inbreeding back to two different champions and hen crossing the offspring works wonders. Finding ways to keep variation within a tight family pays dividends in the long run, for the mating of related inbreds brings the percentage of good racers way down. Top breeders are produced by inbreeding and the best racers come from these crosses.