This chicken has black bones, organs, and meat: Know reason

In a rare and fascinating occurrence, the Ayam Cemani chicken, native to Java, Indonesia, has captivated the scientific community with its distinctive black bones, tissues, and even meat. Termed the "gothic chicken," this avian anomaly is a result of a genetic condition known as dermal hyperpigmentation or fibromelanosis. Notably, the Ayam Cemani is not alone in this phenomenon; the Silkie breed also shares black tissues beneath its feathers, despite its renowned white plumage.

Leif Andersson, a geneticist from Sweden's Uppsala University, led a pivotal 2011 study that uncovered the origin of this unique trait. According to Andersson, fibromelanosis stems from a complex genetic rearrangement in the genome.

Notably, this mysterious mutation can be traced back to a single ancient chicken, acting as the source for all affected breeds. "All chickens with this phenotype carry exactly the same mutation," Andersson explains, suggesting a widespread human fascination that led to their propagation across the globe.

The genetic variation centers around the endothelin 3 (EDN3) gene, which is responsible for avian pigmentation. In typical chicken development, EDN3 guides melanoblasts, color-producing cells, to their designated locations. However, in hyperpigmented breeds, nearly all cells express EDN3, causing an excessive migration of melanoblasts, resulting in dark tissues.

Genetic mutation causes fibromelanosis

The origin and evolution of fibromelanosis in domesticated chickens have been extensively studied, with genes being identified as the driving force behind this enigmatic phenomenon. Both Ayam Cemani and Silkie breeds exhibit black tissues beneath their feathers due to fibromelanosis, arising from a complex mutation involving the EDN3 gene, which encodes endothelin-3.

The pivotal role of endothelin-3 becomes evident as it influences the development and distribution of melanocytes, cells responsible for melanin production. Melanin, a dark pigment present throughout the animal kingdom, plays a key role in this process.

This intriguing genetic anomaly, dating back possibly thousands of years, originated from a single bird. The intricate mutation involving the EDN3 gene is believed to have taken place only once. The University of Uppsala's geneticists have shed light on the occurrence of fibromelanosis, attributing the striking appearance of these birds to this complex mutation.

While Ayam Cemani's embryos display a bluish-black hue due to the excessive pigmentation, their eggs maintain a traditional cream color, and even the blood remains unaffected. The Ayam Cemani is among four chicken breeds exhibiting black internal features, alongside Silkie from China, H'Mong race from Vietnam, and Svarthöna from Sweden.

Genes drive fibromelanosis in chickens

According to a 2017 paper, “The origin and evolution of fibromelanosis in domesticated chickens,”The genes account for it all. Both Ayam Cemani and Silkie breed chickens contain black tissues beneath their feathers, although the Silkie breed is well-known for its snow-white plumage.

The origin of this genetic anomaly is believed to date back to a single bird that lived hundreds, if not thousands, of years ago. Geneticists suggest that this mutation likely occurred only once. Researchers at Uppsala University in Sweden revealed that the occurrence of fibromelanosis in these birds generates their unique appearance through a complex mutation involving the EDN3 gene.

Despite the vast amounts of melanin, Ayam Cemani's embryos have a bluish-black hue, but the eggs maintain a traditional cream color. Blood also remains unaffected. Notably, Ayam Cemani is one of the four chicken breeds with black internal features, including Silkie from China, the H'Mong race from Vietnam, and the Svarthöna from Sweden.

Peruvian research links China, folklore, health

The Ricardo Palma University in Peru conducted research that suggests that this genetic mutation likely originated in China, where chickens with fibromelanosis play roles in Chinese folk medicine and cultural practices.

While the presence of black tissue doesn't seem to affect the chickens' health, it has rendered them a unique food source. People consider hyper-melanistic meat, such as that of Silkie chickens, more valuable and it may even have health benefits.

The peptide Carnosine, found in the meat of Silkie chickens, holds potential health advantages, including increased muscle strength, healthy aging, and diabetes management. Poultry is a known source of Carnosine, but Silkie chicken meat boasts double the concentration compared to other breeds. Thus, there may be more to the intriguing Ayam Cemani goth chicken than meets the eye.

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