Utilization of Biotechnology, Neurotransmitter and Cytogenetic Indices in Selecting Pigeon Breeds

The DNA polymorphism LDH-A and DRD4 gene, some neurotransmitter and cytogenetic indices of three sexed pigeon breeds; non-racing pigeons (wild rock), racing long and short distances pigeons (e.g: Gan aarden) and (e.g: Gansen) have been performed. The long-distance pigeon demonstrated the highest levels of neurotransmitters in brain tissues. Long distance male pigeons have a unique LDH-A polymorphism, so A changed to G, which means that changes in gene expression resulted in differences in amino acid structure K(lys) was converted to E(glu) in the LDH-A gene only in long distance male pigeons compared to other breeds. In addition to this, the DRD4 polymorphism of long distance male pigeons in which A changed to C and A changed to T indicates the presence of a unique diversity in this breed. This means that changes in gene expression resulted in overall amino acid structure differences only in long distance male pigeons when compared to other breeds, where R(arg) and L(leu) were converted to S(ser) and F(phe). Neurotransmitters are synthesised in the body from these amino acids. It concluded that measurements would be useful indices for the differentiation, genetic characterization, provide a foundation for conservation programs of the breeding and selecting racing pigeon breeders.