LDHA gene is associated with pigeon survivability during racing competitions.

Sherif Ramadan,Miho Inoue-Murayama,Junichi Yamaura,Takeshi Miyake

doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0195121

Abstract

Pigeon racing is a popular sport worldwide. Pigeons are under continuous selection to improve speed, spatial orientation, and endurance during long flights. However, numerous genetic and non-genetic factors affect survivability and homing ability, making such traits difficult for breeders to control. Polymorphisms in the lactate dehydrogenase A gene (LDHA) likely affects pigeon racing and homing abilities, due to its role in physical and mental performance. Additionally, the adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide 1 gene (ADCYAP1) has been associated with physiological and behavioral shifts that occur during avian migration. In this study, we examined the association between LDHA and ADCYAP1 genotypes with pigeon survivability during racing competitions. Survivability was evaluated through the estimated breeding value (EBV) of each individual’s total race distances during its athletic life. ADCYAP1 was not polymorphic among our samples, while LDHA genotypes were significantly associated with deviated EBV values of longer total race distance; individuals carrying the S+ genotype had higher EBV (i.e., greater survivability). Thus, the LDHA locus might be useful for marker-assisted selection, empowering breeders and trainers to maximize pigeon quality. Moreover, data obtained from breeding will also improve our understanding of the genetic mechanism underlying navigation and flight for wild migrating bird species.

Highlights

Since the domestication of wild rock pigeons (Columba livia), breeders has been using artificial selection for generating pigeons with preferred appearances and improved homing ability [1, 2]
The aim of this study was to analyze the association between lactate dehydrogenase A gene (LDHA) and adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide 1 gene (ADCYAP1) polymorphisms with survivability, as represented by the calculated estimated breeding value (EBV)
We investigated the association between racing-pigeon survivability and polymorphisms in two genes, the novel ADCYAP1 and the well-studied LDHA

Summary

Introduction

Since the domestication of wild rock pigeons (Columba livia), breeders has been using artificial selection for generating pigeons with preferred appearances and improved homing ability [1, 2]. Such pigeons have historically been used for a variety of tasks, including the sport of pigeon racing, popular globally [3, 4]. The breeding of suitable racing pigeons is lucrative, with a price of $328,000 for an individual in 2012 [5]. Racing pigeons are under intensive selection for improving of speed, endurance during long flights [7], along with.

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