LDHA gene is associated with pigeon survivability during racing competitions

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.

Heritability estimates of fractures in Japanese Thoroughbred racehorses using a non‐linear model

“…The traits (i.e., fractures) were analyzed using non‐linear categorical (threshold) trait models in the Gibbs Sampling Threshold Model (GSTM) program (Miyake, Oki, Nishiura, Ibi, & Sasaki, , based on Sorensen, Anderson, Gianola, & Korsgaard, ). This program has been used for categorical trait genetic analyses in dogs, racing pigeons, and Thoroughbred racehorses (Oki et al, ; Oki, Miyake, Kasashima, & Sasaki, ; Ramadan, Miyake, Yamaura, & Inoue‐Murayama, ; Ruefenacht, Gebhardt‐Henrich, Miyake, & Gaillard, ). The following model was used to perform a non‐linear categorical trait analysis:where L ijk is the normally distributed liability assumed with threshold t (Sorensen et al, ) behind the categorical phenotypes Y ijk of the categorized bone fracture.…”

Application of PCR-HRM method for microsatellite polymorphism genotyping in the LDHA gene of pigeons (Columba livia)

“…muscle endurance, recovery, aerobic capacity, survivability during racing competitions as well as overall physiological performance [ 1 – 4 ]. LDHA plays a crucial role as a coenzyme in the interconversion of pyruvate and lactate with nicotinamide dinucleotide [ 3 , 5 , 6 ]. The latest research suggest that lactate is a specific “cellular fuel”, including hippocampal nerve cells that are responsible for consolidating information from short-term to long-term memory, and spatial memory that determines navigation ability [ 3 , 7 – 9 ].…”

“…The (TTTAT) 3-5 microsatellite polymorphism within intron 6 of the LDHA gene in pigeons has been described for the first time by Ramadan et al [ 7 ] who found three different allele lengths (GenBank: AB744076, AB744077, AB744078) [ 3 , 7 ]. Ramadan et al [ 3 ] found in Japanese and Egyptian pigeon populations that individuals carrying the LDHA S+ genotype (all genotypes containing minor allele S, i.e. 3 repeats, were classified as the S+) had higher EBV (estimated breeding value) resulting i.a.…”

Association of alpha-a globin gene polymorphism with its expression level in racing pigeons

“…Nevertheless, sports and gambling are as old as war [Jerolmack 2007], therefore intensive management and breeding for meat or sport, isolate pigeons from external selective pressures were performed [Marom et al 2018]. Moreover, sport pigeons are under continuous selection to improve their speed, spatial orientation, and endurance during long flights, however, there are many factors affect these traits in racing pigeons [Ramadan et al 2018], so searching a reliable and precisely gene marker is crucial for now.…”

“…There are many tools for selection, but the most common types of markers in genomes are SNPs [Goldstein andCavalleri 2005, Jacob et al 2018], nowadays, genetic markers have been used to predict racing perform-ance in pigeons [Proskura et al 2014, Proskura et al 2015, Proskura et al 2017, Ramadan et al 2018, Dybus et al 2018. Recently, in whole-genome study, the CASK gene was marked as an important genetic factor for fast flight, long endurance, and accurate navigation was revealed [Gazda et al 2018].…”