Each pigeon in VPR has a genotype profile. On the Loft page, this is shown through markers like LDHA, DRD4, and CRY1.
These markers are inspired by real-world pigeon genetics and help describe different racing tendencies. They are part of what makes each pigeon unique.
The simplest way to read them is this:
LDHA relates to energy and muscle efficiency
DRD4 relates to drive, learning, and competitive behavior
CRY1 relates to navigation and perception
How to read a genotype
A genotype has two parts:
1. The marker name
This tells you what area of the pigeon you are looking at.
For example:
LDHA = energy and endurance
DRD4 = drive and race behavior
CRY1 = navigation and direction
2. The letter code
This is the string of letters underneath the marker, such as:
AA
CTCC
AGTT
The letters are the genetic code shown for that marker. You do not need to read them letter by letter to get value from them.
The important thing to understand is:
the marker name tells you what kind of trait it relates to
the letters tell you which specific genetic pattern your pigeon has for that marker
So if two pigeons show different letter codes for the same marker, they do not have exactly the same genetic setup there.
What the letters do and do not tell you
The letters are not a simple rating like low, medium, or high. They also do not mean automatic wins. Instead, they show that your pigeon has a specific genetic pattern for that trait. That pattern is part of the pigeon’s built-in identity and helps make one pigeon different from another.
The three main genotypes
LDHA
Think of LDHA as your pigeon’s engine. It relates to energy use during flight and how the pigeon handles physical effort. In simple terms, LDHA is connected to stamina, endurance, and muscle efficiency.
DRD4
Think of DRD4 as your pigeon’s race mind. It relates to drive, focus, learning, and competitive behavior. In simple terms, DRD4 is connected to how a pigeon behaves and responds in race situations.
CRY1
Think of CRY1 as your pigeon’s compass. It relates to navigation, perception, and sense of direction. In simple terms, CRY1 is connected to route-finding and spatial awareness.
Why genotypes matter for breeding
Genotypes are not only interesting for racing. They are also important for breeding. When you breed pigeons, you are not just combining names or stats. You are also combining genetic traits.
That makes genotypes useful for bigger questions like:
Is this pigeon interesting for my breeding line?
Does this pigeon carry traits I want more of in future generations?
Do these two pigeons look like a good match for breeding?
In other words, genotypes help you think beyond the pigeon you have today. They also matter for the kind of pigeons you may want to build over time.
How to use genotypes as a player
A simple way to use genotypes is:
Look at the marker name first
Ask yourself whether you are looking at engine, race mind, or compass.Treat the letter code as part of the pigeon’s DNA identity
It shows which genetic pattern that pigeon carries for that marker.Compare pigeons
If two pigeons have different genotype codes, they are not genetically identical in that area.Use genotypes together with other pigeon data
Look at core abilities, pigeon score, speed score, favorite distance, average speed, and race history as well.