In the last few years there has been an influx of deeper fibromelanosis within breeding programs and lines, including the pinnacle expression many breeders aim for: the black tongue. Because of this, the community is beginning to expect this level of fibro expression from every breeder, sometimes even turning down perfectly good birds simply because they don’t display that specific trait.
Recently, a member of the community reached out to me with concerns about a purchase they made from a very reputable breeder. Their concern was that the birds they purchased did not maintain fully black tongues as they matured.
As we move forward as a breed with these deeper fibro genetics, it’s important to remember that some variation in expression and longevity can still occur within black tongue breeding lines. Even when the genetics are present, the degree of fibro expression may differ from bird to bird. Through thoughtful breeding, educated selections, and patience, that deeper fibro expression can continue to be developed and strengthened over time.
There was a time not too long ago when only a handful of breeders in the entire country carried the genetics capable of reaching that pinnacle level of fibro expression. Thanks to the expansion of genetics and the growth of our community, those genetics are now far more accessible to breeders across the country.
Unfortunately, fibromelanosis is still relatively new within the United States. Despite the breed existing for centuries, there is still a great deal we don’t fully understand about the genetic components and environmental factors that influence its expression.
Many working theories suggest that multiple genes may influence how deeply fibromelanosis expresses. While a bird may be a confirmed two-copy carrier of FM, it may still require the right combination of outside genetics to fully influence that deep fibro expression.
Because of this, it is completely normal to see varying degrees of fibro expression within the same breeding line.
Until we are able to better identify and confirm the full genetic recipe behind fibromelanosis, we are all still learning, experimenting, and growing together on this journey.
As breeders, it’s important that we don’t lose sight of the bigger picture. Writing off a bird solely because it lacks a black tongue can lead us down a path of chasing fibro at the expense of the breed’s overall integrity (type, confirmation, balance, and consistency). Fibromelanosis is an important part of the Ayam Cemani, but it’s also something we are still learning to fully understand here in the United States. Black tongues are exciting and certainly a goal for many, but they are not the sole measure of a quality bird.