The Influence of Ldha Gene Polymorphism on Relative Level of Its Expression in Racing Pigeons

Abstract

The LDHA/HaeIII polymorphism (g.2582481G>A) in pigeons is associated with physiological predispositions for rapid return and endurance, which are one of the most desired racing performance traits. Thus, the aim of the study was to analyse the association between the g.2582481G>A polymorphism with the relative expression level of LDHA in the group of young homing pigeons. The results demonstrated differences, but not significant in the relative LDHA expression level in the group of pigeons carrying different LDHA genotype. The highest expression of LDHA gene in pigeons carrying LDHA AG genotype was reported. Moreover, the differences in the average relative quantity of the LDHA gene were different in relation to gender, with a slightly higher expression level of the LDHA gene in females. In conclusion, the highest expression level of LDHA gene in homing pigeons with genotype AG may explain the better racing performance of LDHA AG pigeons reported in previous studies.

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

“…The PCR amplification program was as follows: 5 min initial denaturation at 94°C followed by 35 cycles (denaturation at 94°C for 30 s, primer annealing at 61°C for 30 s and product synthesis at 72°C for 30 s) and final elongation at 72°C for 5 min (Biometra T-Personal thermocycler, Biometra GmbH, Göttingen Germany). Finally, PCR products were separated by horizontal electrophoresis (80 V, 400 mA, 240 min; Mini-Sub Cell GT Systems, Bio-Rad, Hercules, CA, United States) on a 5% agarose gel (Norgen Biotek Corp., Canada) [ 4 ].…”

“…Lactate dehydrogenase regulates aerobic and anaerobic metabolism, which has an significant impact on the physiological condition of the body, e.g. 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 ].…”

Development and Validation of KASP Assays for the Genotyping of Racing Performance-Associated Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms in Pigeons

“…Domesticated, bred, and kept for centuries, pigeons ( Columba livia ) have literally been physically altered by human interventions that purposively select characteristics based on the following three general reasons: (1) utility, for meat and guano, and historically, as a messenger; (2) fancy, for their visual and physical appearance; and (3) sporting/flying, for recreation and competitions. Among these three reasons, sporting is the most common reason for breeding pigeons nowadays [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 ]. Pigeon racing is a popular and lucrative sport that attracts competitors around the world and involves millions of dollars in prices during competitions [ 2 , 3 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 ].…”

“…Among these three reasons, sporting is the most common reason for breeding pigeons nowadays [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 ]. Pigeon racing is a popular and lucrative sport that attracts competitors around the world and involves millions of dollars in prices during competitions [ 2 , 3 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 ].…”

“…With races ranging from 60 to 310 miles, pigeons are bred and selected for their homing ability or spatial orientation, which would dictate the pigeons’ success to return to their home loft after being released from a specific distance. Additionally, higher overall capacity in terms of endurance and recovery, or speed, velocity, and stress resistance are preferred traits [ 2 , 3 , 6 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 ]. Besides health management programs, including the appropriate choice of feeds, medical supplements, and physical conditioning regimens to improve pigeons’ performance in competitions, the identification of genetic markers for valuable traits associated with racing performance has also been reported and explored towards expediting success in selective breeding [ 1 , 6 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 ].…”