The Cemani Preserve

05/16/2026

Change is coming…

04/29/2026

It’s their stance that commands the room.

Think of it as the difference between a casual stroll and a royal procession.

The Breed Standard: The "Gamebird" Look

A true Ayam Cemani shouldn't just stand; they should look like they’re on high alert. We look for:

• The Vertical Lean: A sharp, upright posture that reflects their wild ancestral roots.
• The Slender Silhouette: Unlike the broad, heavy breast of a typical farm chicken, the Cemani should be lean and muscular.
• High-Energy Presence: Every movement is calculated and active—never sluggish.

Why It Matters Correct stance isn't just about "looking cool" (though it certainly does). It’s a sign of genetic vigor and structural health. When a bird carries itself with that classic vertical "game" posture, it shows off the tight feathering and athletic build that defines this rare Indonesian treasure.

Standard vs. Deviation: Next time you’re admiring your flock, look for that verticality. It’s the hallmark of a bird that truly represents its heritage.

03/23/2026

It’s ready to go! Buckle up, breeders!

This is what we’ve been waiting for, this genetic testing ties directly into our Ayam Cemani preservation efforts by giving breeders a precise, science-backed tool to maintain and strengthen the breed’s defining traits (without solely relying on visual selection or risky test breedings.

This is how we roll! We focus on true preservation and this is how we’ll be doing just that:

• We’re going to keep the breed genetically pure and consistent (especially homozygous for the fibro gene, as heterozygous birds often show weaker or “leaky” pigmentation like reddish combs or less intense black).
• We’re going to avoid weaker MC1R/E locus alleles that reduce feather saturation.
• We’re going to prevent the loss of the systemic black phenotype over generations, which has been a challenge due to the breed’s rarity, imports, and past reliance on phenotype-only breeding or test matings (crossing to non-fibro birds to infer zygosity, which wastes hatches and risks introducing flaws).

Historically, breeders used test breedings (e.g., mating suspected carriers to wild-type or brown birds and observing offspring for black expression) or visual culling of chicks with pigment gaps, and of course a very slow, imprecise, and unsure way to cull good birds or propagate hidden issues.

With iQBirdTesting’s panel (EDN3 for fibro status & MC1R/E locus for extended black strength), we’ll be testing to make sure our birds are GENETICALLY “black, inside & out.”
• Breeders can NOW confirm homozygous fibromelanosis birds (the gold standard for deep, uniform blackness) early, speeding up selection for pure lines.
• It reduces risks of “off” colors/patterns reappearing, like partial white or faded black in future generations.
• It supports responsible preservation by helping small breeders and conservation-minded folks build healthier, more consistent flocks—balancing origin authenticity with vigor, conformation, and sustainability.

In short, this shifts preservation from guesswork and trial-and-error to targeted, evidence-based breeding. It helps protect the breed’s cultural and genetic legacy (from Indonesian villages to global enthusiasts) while making progress toward ideal show-quality Cemani faster and more reliably. THIS IS a huge step forward!

Updated MC1R (E Locus) Test #2 — Now Detecting Extended Black Zygosity in Ayam Cemani.
Soon this week available at:

https://iqbirdtesting.com/product/genetic-full-testing-for-fibromelanosis/

Ayam Cemani Breeders Association

03/12/2026

Proof that when you share the things you love with your children, sometimes they fall in love with them even more deeply than you ever imagined.

Liam recently wrote a heartfelt letter at school to Cedar Crest Farm and Feed located in Ohio, about his passion for the incredible Ayam Cemani chickens! What started as a young boy simply reaching out about something he loves turned into something so much bigger than we expected.

Not only did he receive a response, but he received one of the most thoughtful and touching letters we have ever read from Lisa Marie Samples. Along with her beautiful words came a box full of goodies honey, books about chickens, and little gifts that meant the world to a kid who spends so much time dreaming about these birds.

But what truly touched our hearts were the words she wrote about Liam. She described him as a hard worker, someone who never gives up, someone who inspires others to reach the top. She encouraged him to keep learning, keep working hard, and to never stop chasing the things he loves.

As parents, reading those words brought tears to our eyes, because that is exactly the boy we see every single day. Liam pours his whole heart into the things he loves. His passion for the Ayam Cemani is nothing short of amazing, and to see experienced farmers recognize that same spark and potential in him means more to us than any ribbon or trophy ever could.

This letter was more than just a response… it was encouragement, kindness, and a reminder that sometimes when children bravely reach out to the world with their passions, the world answers back in the most beautiful ways.

We are so incredibly proud of the young man Liam is becoming. A hard worker. A dreamer. Someone who refuses to quit.

And if this letter is any sign of what’s ahead, his journey with these amazing birds is only just beginning. 🖤🐓🐥

Keep dreaming big, Liam. The world needs more hearts like yours.

09/02/2025

There will always be noise and drama in any community, and the Cemani world is no different. But when I take a step back and look at the bigger picture, I’m reminded of what truly matters. For me, it’s the joy of watching my children fall in love with this rare, beautiful breed the same way we have. There is something powerful about seeing them want to educate others, to share their knowledge, and to carry forward the values of preservation and respect. It fills my heart to know that what started as a passion has become a family journey a legacy of love, learning, and appreciation for the Cemani. At the end of the day, all we really want is to protect their beauty, to keep telling their story, and to inspire others to see them the way we do. 🖤🖤🖤🖤

08/29/2025

Let’s be honest — Blocking people in Cemani community isn’t about “safety.” It’s about silencing competition, censoring criticism, and controlling the narrative. Period.

Do I believe in blocking people? Personally, no. And why? I have a whopping 3 people on my block list.

Cause here’s the reality: blocking doesn’t work. There are always ways around it. Blocking has become the go-to tool for those who can’t defend their own positions. Instead of standing firm, addressing criticism, or backing up claims with facts, they hit the block button and pretend the problem disappears. But it doesn’t.

Information travels.

Screenshots spread.

Conversations continue.

And every time someone hides behind censorship, it only exposes insecurity and fear of transparency.

Free speech and transparency are the lifeblood of any healthy community. Constructive criticism and differing opinions aren’t “attacks.” They’re part of progress. Taking every disagreement as an insult is a weakness, not strength. If someone’s entire response to criticism is the block button, it says more about them than it does about the person they silenced.

Think about it: if someone claims to “share freely” while at the same time blocking hundreds of people — what are they really afraid of? Because let’s be real, death threats and vulgar trolls don’t add up to hundreds. What does add up is anyone who dares to disagree, ask the hard questions, or point out uncomfortable truths.

This community thrives on honesty, accountability, and open dialogue. Constructive criticism isn’t “slander.” Different opinions aren’t “negativity.” They’re the lifeblood of progress. Silencing them doesn’t protect the breed — it protects fragile egos.

And let’s not forget: monopolies don’t just happen through money. They happen when one voice drowns out others by force — by controlling the flow of information, erasing comments, using power to influence others to erase comments, and shutting down anyone who threatens the illusion of dominance. That’s not leadership. That’s manipulation.

Respect isn’t built by demanding silence. It’s built by facing questions, owning mistakes, and proving yourself through action — not censorship.

At the end of the day, the truth doesn’t need protection. It doesn’t need filters. And it doesn’t fear criticism.

If someone’s first instinct is to block, deflect, and control — you have to ask yourself: what exactly are they trying to hide? -The Cemani Preserve

08/16/2025

07/24/2025

Leadership requires understanding and resilience. I don’t block people, I listen to what they have to say. I speak, only when necessary. The rest of my time? Spent collaborating with breeders, educating and helping new people into the breed.

05/15/2025

Company Statement on Fibromelanosis Testing and Research Context.

At IQ BirdTesting, we are committed to delivering scientifically validated and high-precision genetic testing services to the avian community. Our newly introduced Fibromelanosis Test, which detects the presence and relative quantity of the Fibromelanosis (FM) duplication associated with dermal hyperpigmentation in Ayam Cemani chickens, is based on quantitative PCR (qPCR) and calibrated with rigorously verified controls.

During the initial phase of our research, we approached the Ayam Cemani Association to request support and collaboration specially access to samples from reliable breeders. Unfortunately, our offer was declined. We still remain open in our request. Nevertheless, we were fortunate to connect with a select group of dedicated breeders who voluntarily submitted samples and engaged in in-depth discussions. Thanks to their cooperation, we completed the initial research phase and launched the test publicly, successfully identifying both homozygous (FM/FM) and heterozygous (FM/Ø) genotypes as we began issuing our first commercial tests results.

As with any advanced genetic assay—particularly those involving structural variants such as duplications—occasional unexpected results may occur. These are not flaws in the methodology but rather reflections of the genetic complexity present within and between flocks. In response, we are actively expanding our reference dataset to further refine the test’s precision and reliability.

So our company and in order to strengthen the accuracy of results across diverse genetic backgrounds, we are implementing a collaborative approach with breeders before accepting their first commercial samples. Going forward, we will work individually with each breeder to establish a genetic profile for their flock before proceeding with standard testing and we will request the following samples:

1. Heterozygous Animals (FM/Ø): 3-5 samples
Breeders are asked to submit samples from heterozygous individuals resulting from a controlled cross between a pure Ayam Cemani (FM/FM) and a normal chicken lacking the FM duplication. These samples help us validate qPCR signal behavior when only one copy of the FM region is present, particularly in a mixed genetic background.

2. Normal Chickens (Non-FM): 3-5 samples
We also require samples from the non-FM chickens used in the cross. These serve as critical negative controls and help detect any residual signals that might affect test accuracy.

3. Homozygous FM/FM: 3-5 samples.
Also Breeders need to submit any birds the breeder considers pure (FM/FM).

Nevertheless it is important for the breeder to understand that there are several reasons why some heterozygous Ayam Cemani (FM/Ø) may appear to be homozygous (FM/FM).
FM/FM chickens exhibit an intense and uniform black pigmentation in feathers, skin, internal organs, bones, and combs. However, a heterozygous Ayam Cemani (FM/Ø) may appear homozygous (FM/FM) due to the following reasons:

1. High Phenotypic Expression:
Some heterozygous individuals may display a nearly indistinguishable black phenotype from homozygotes due to high melanocyte activity or epistatic effects from other genes that enhance pigmentation.

2. Effect of Genetic Modifiers:
The presence of additional genes that regulate melanin production can cause heterozygotes to exhibit pigmentation similar to that of homozygotes. These modifier genes increase the proliferation and migration of melanocytes (such as EDN3, MITF, SOX10), and promote the production of eumelanin (such as MC1R), while reducing interference from pigmentation-antagonistic genes (such as ASIP).

3. Intrastrand Recombination:
In some cases, a recombination event may duplicate the FM region again on one of the FM/Ø alleles, creating an apparent FM/FM genotype.

4. Variation in the Duplication:
Some FM alleles may carry a partial or atypical duplication, which can result in confusing qPCR results.
Research into these genes is complex due to limited available data and requires further investigation. If a cross between a Normal (non-FM) and an FM/FM produces normal offspring, then that supposed FM/FM individual is actually FM/Ø.

We remain confident in the accuracy and utility of our Fibromelanosis Test as a powerful tool for identifying the presence and zygosity of this important trait. At the same time, we are committed to continuously refining our interpretive framework in line with the latest scientific findings. Needles to say that our Company DOES NOT SHARE any results with any other breeders or institutions. Results remain confidential and in our Company database.

We welcome breeders who are interested in participating in this initiative or in submitting reference samples. Your collaboration is essential to deepening the understanding of fibromelanosis and enhancing the quality of genetic testing for the entire avian breeding community.

If you are interested in this test, please contact us at
[email protected] or text us at +1 786 418 1245
—
IQ BirdTesting – Advancing Precision in Avian Genetics

05/15/2025

There was a time—not so long ago—when Cemani birds with mulberry combs and patchy pigmentation were still called Ayam Cemani. No one questioned it. The name stuck even as their traits drifted further from what they once were. But science began to speak, and it told a different story—one not built ONLY on appearances, but on what lies within.

Genetic research from their origins in Indonesia revealed something remarkable: the Cemani there were predominantly homozygous for the fibromelanosis gene. They bred true. Their all-black expression wasn’t a chance—it was consistent, generational. But as these birds traveled the world, bred without selection or understanding, that consistency began to erode. Heterozygosity became the norm.

Still, the name remained. And with it, confusion.

But science doesn’t pause to protect comfort. It evolves. It refines. It reveals.

Today, we stand at the edge of something better—not to redefine Cemani, but to rediscover them as they once were. To bring back birds that consistently express the traits tied to their heritage. This doesn’t happen by waiting for convenience or saving a few dollars. It happens when people lean in, commute with samples, submit data, and test what others only guess at. It takes effort, investment, and vision.

Some say “just wait.” But waiting preserves the drift—not the bird.

Breeding forward means isolating those that breed true. It means trusting science, not assumption. The Ayam Cemani’s future belongs to those who push, who probe, who test. Because while others hesitate, science moves on—and so must we.