DNA polymorphism within LDH-A gene in pigeon (Columba livia)

Abstract

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. © 2013, Japan Poultry Science Association.