A new PCR-RFLP within the domestic pigeon (Columba livia var. domestica) cytochrome b (MTCYB) gene.

A total of 244 domestic pigeons (Columba livia var. domestica) were genotyped using the PCR-RFLP method. A 999 bp fragment of the MTCYB gene was amplified. The amplification products were digested with restriction enzymes. PCR-RFLP for MvaI restriction enzyme was observed. Frequencies of alleles were as follows: MTCYB(C)--0.926, MTCYB(G)-- 0.074. The frequencies of MTCYB/MvaI alleles found in this study for non-homing pigeons considerably deviate from the values found for homing/racing pigeons (allele MTCYB(G) occurred only in the non-homing breeds).