Association of STR polymorphism in the LDHA gene with racing performance in homing pigeons

<ns3:p>The final results of racing pigeons in races are affected by numerous genetic and non-genetic factors. The individual traits determined, inter alia, by genes, are the result of selection to improve speed, spatial orientation, endurance. Within the LDHA gene structure STR polymorphism were described, thus the aim of the study was the association analysis between the (TTTAT)3-5 microsatellite polymorphism in LDHA gene and racing performance using HRM-based genotyping method. The microsatellite polymorphism within intron 6 of the LDHA gene resulted in the identification of five genotypes with the highest frequencies for 3/4 and 4/4 genotypes in our group of birds. The statistical analysis indicated that the factors such as dam, gender, year, breeder, weather and race category affect the racing performance of pigeons, whereas the studied microsatellite polymorphism did not affect the racing performance.</ns3:p>