Single Nucleotide Polymorphism in the <i>LDHA </i>Gene as a Potential Marker for the Racing Performance of Pigeons

Abstract

The objective of the present study was to investigate the relationship between the g.2582481G＞A, g.2583935G ＞A and g.2584057C＞T single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within the lactate dehydrogenase A gene (LDHA) coding for lactate dehydrogenase isoform A and the racing performance of homing pigeons. As a measure of racing performance, we used the mean values of ace points won by individual birds during the whole season. The estimated heritability of the racing performance of pigeons was relatively low (h 2 ＝0. 0596; SE＝0. 0249). The analysis performed for all race reports together showed that the factors such as gender, weather conditions at the start and at the end of the race affect the analyzed trait. Of the 3 single nucleotide polymorphisms, only the effect of the g.2582481G ＞A genotype on the performance of racing pigeons was significant. Statistical analysis indicated the difference in the value of ace points between the animals of GG and GA genotypes for the g.2582481G＞A SNP. The study showed that the genotype homozygous for g.2582481A is linked to the highest mean value of ace points. Consequently, the relationship between the genotype for g.2582481G＞A and the racing performance was shown.

Polymorphism in dopamine receptor D4 gene is associated with pigeon racing performance

“…The CTCT genotype was linked to the highest ace points mean and the CCCC genotype to the lowest mean. Possible dependence of pigeon racing ability on genetic variation has been reported before and, also, association of the LDHA polymorphism with performance of pigeons in races at short distances has been indicated recently . In sum, our data suggest that dopamine receptor D4 variants could play an important role in pigeon performance during short races.…”

“…Ace points acquired by pigeons in races were calculated as described before on the basis of 1380 race records from eight short (<400 km) and six long (>500 km) races. Associations between ace points and SNPs were analysed with a mixed model using the lmekin package for r software.…”

LDHA gene is associated with pigeon survivability during racing competitions

“…The breeding of suitable racing pigeons is lucrative, with a price of $328,000 for an individual in 2012 [ 5 ]. The distances of major races in Japan range from 100 km to 1000 km, while international races, such as Diamond Elite and Golden Island One-loft in China, are 300 miles and 310 miles, respectively [ 6 ]. Thus, racing pigeons are under intensive selection for improving of speed, endurance during long flights [ 7 ], along with general survivability and homing ability.…”

“…Genetic markers have been used to predict racing performance in humans [ 13 ], horses [ 14 ], dogs [ 15 ], and pigeons [ 6 , 16 , 17 ]. These studies have indicated that lactate dehydrogenase isoform A, encoded by the lactate dehydrogenase A gene ( LDHA ), is critical to the aerobic/anaerobic metabolism of different tissues and thus to overall physiological performance.…”

“…Lactate’s function is now considered similar to a hormone, involved in processes as complex as memory formation and spatial working memory [ 21 , 22 ]. Therefore, LDHA polymorphisms can potentially affect pigeon homing and racing abilities [ 6 , 16 , 23 ].…”