Pigeons (Columba livia) have long history of selective breeding for many purposes; one of them is pigeon racing using their homing ability. A total of 221 pigeon samples were sequenced for lactate dehydrogenase-A gene (LDH-A) including part of exon 5 and part of exon 6 and intervening intron 5. Six polymorphic sites were identified in intron 5; one indel and five SNPs. Statistical significant differences in allele frequencies were observed for 595bp and 600bp alleles between homing and non-homing groups in both Japanese and Egyptian pigeons. The frequency of 600bp allele was higher in both Japanese and Egyptian homing than in non-homing pigeons (P＜0.0001). In Japanese pigeons; significant difference in allele frequency of three SNPs was observed between homing and non-homing groups, while in Egyptian pigeons, although similar tendency was observed, the difference in allele frequency was not significant. The DNA polymorphisms of pigeon LDH-A gene can be a potential genetic marker for homing ability in racing pigeon breeding.

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.

Ancient Egyptians used pigeons not only as food in the form of squab but also as a messenger by virtue of their strong homing ability. Pigeons are bred for many purposes like meat in the form of squabs, exhibition as fancy and ornamental, flying and sports like racing competition, and finally for laboratory experiments of cognitive sciences. In this study, a total of pigeon samples of six Egyptian breeds ( ) and Japanese racing pigeons ( ) were surveyed. One sample from each breed was sequenced for mitochondrial gene and all samples were genotyped across microsatellites loci. From sequence, all the seven studied populations were found to belong to same the species (). By the analysis of microsatellite loci a total of alleles were observed with an average of . alleles per locus. The expected heterozygosities of the six Egyptian breeds and Japanese racing pigeons were .and . , respectively. showed a relatively high mean of .which indicated that there is a great di erentiation among the seven pigeon populations. Zagel breed and Japanese racing pigeons showed the lowest values for both pairwise ( . ) and Nei's genetic distance ( . ). The information from this study would be useful for genetic characterization and provide a foundation for developing sustainable genetic improvement and conservation programs of this agriculturally and commercially important species.: Egyptian breed, genetic diversity, microsatellite, mitochondrial pigeon form of squab and used pigeon's nitrogen-rich guano or feaces as fertilizers (Jerolmack, ). They discovered The importance of maintaining genetic diversity in dothe strong homing ability of pigeons and used them as a mestic livestock is advocated worldwide by the Food and messenger. An Egyptian bas-relief from around B.C. Agriculture Organization (FAO). Therefore, conserva-"depicts a flock of doves being released from their cages to tion of native breeds as a genetic resource is important to fly and then return" (Glover and Beaumont, ). fill unanticipated breeding demands in the future (Tadano The six Egyptian indigenous pigeon breeds used in this b). Among these species, pigeons are believed study don't belong to feral pigeons. Five of these breeds: to be domesticated as early as B.C. (Glover and Ablaq (Levi, ), Krezly, Zagel, Safi and Asfer Weraq Beaumont, ) and today there are over breeds of characterize by strong homing and flying abilities and domestic pigeons, all originating from one wild source, the mainly used for certain kind of a very popular flying game rock dove (Bodio, ). Pigeons are bred for many in Egypt, whereas the last one (Romani breed) characterpurposes like meat in the form of squabs, exhibition as ize by heavy body weight and used mainly for meat fancy and ornamental, flying and sports like racing compeproduction in form of squabs.