A single nucleotide polymorphism in exon 3 of the myostatin gene in different breeds of domestic pigeon (Columba livia var. domestica)

Myostatin is considered to be one of the most powerful negative regulators of muscle growth. The lack of a functional myostatin (MSTN) or its mutation can result in uncommon musculature like "double-muscling" in Belgian Blue cattle. Recent studies on MSTN variability indicate its relationship with racing performance in dogs and racehorses. Considering the high homology of MSTN among the vertebrates, there are grounds to sup - pose that the same correlation will occur in pigeons. The aim of this study was to analyse MSTN variability in several pigeon breeds raised for different purposes. The PCR-RFLP method was used for genotyping the C → T silent substitution in exon 3 of the MSTN gene. A total of 376 domestic pigeons ( Columba livia var. domestica) were genotyped. The differences in genotype frequencies ( P < 0.01) and allele frequencies ( P < 0.01), between the studied groups were observed. Minor allele ( MSTN T ) frequency was the highest in the group of utility pigeons (0.291), which are characterised by abundant muscle mass and higher body mass-to-muscle mass ratio. Further studies should be performed in order to determine the impact of the SNP analysed in the present paper on the amount of functional myostatin in muscles.