The myth of mitochondrial DNA and race performance in racing pigeons

This is the first prospective study to investigate the impact of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) on race performance in a closely bred family of racing pigeons in one breeding loft where there is a high percentage of male and female birds related to one foundation hen, Queen L by Jelle Roziers. This study shows that in this family of birds, which are all related to Queen L, there is no advantage of having mtDNA with regard to race performance on the longer distances. The results of this study reject the hypothesis that mtDNA genes are related to long‐distance performance. Actually, this analysis indicates that those birds in this family with no mtDNA from Queen L may have better race performance on the shorter distances than those with mtDNA. This suggests that there are other genetic factors which may be related to race performance in this family of racing pigeons.