ABSTRACT Investigations into LDH-A and DR-D4 genes polymorphism, neurotransmitter values and cytogenetic indices of 3 sexed pigeon breeds; non-racing pigeons, (wild rock), racing long distances pigeons (Jan Aarden) and racing short distances pigeons (Janssen) have been performed. The long-distances pigeon showed the highest brain neurotransmitters concentration (p<0.001) among pigeon breeds. Both LDH-A and DR-D4 genes polymorphism indicate the presence of different biodiversity values among pigeon breeds. The variations appeared on the position length 389bp for LDH-A polymorphism, and on two positions length of 418bp and 524bp for DR-D4 polymorphism of long distances male pigeon indicate the presence of unique diversity and overall differences in the amino acids structure in this breed. The protein sequence of both genes showed that in the position of 60 for LDH-A gene the amino acid K (lys) was converted to E (glu), while, in the positions of 117 and 153 for DR-D4 gene the amino acid R (arg) and L (leu) were converted to S (ser) and F (phe) only in long distances male pigeon compared to the other breeds. Moreover, there were slight differences in cytogenetic indices detected among the three pigeon breeds. It can be concluded that both DR-D4 and LDH-A genes polymorphism and neurotransmitters estimations in the brain tissue of racing pigeon would be useful indices for the differentiation and genetic characterization of pigeon breeds and provide a foundation for developing sustainable genetic improvement and conservation programs of the breeding and selecting racing pigeon breeders.

ABSTRACT The present study was carried out to evaluate the effects of dietary supplementation of different levels of full-fat canola seeds (FFCS) on productive performance, blood metabolites and antioxidant status of laying Japanese quails. A total of 360, 8-week-old quails were divided into a completely randomize design with 4 dietary experimental groups and three pens each, each pen containing 30hens. The experimental groups were fed iso-caloric and iso-nitrogenous diets supplemented with FFCS at levels 0, 50, 100 and 150 g/kg diet. The experiment lasted 16 weeks. All supplemented groups showed significant effects in the final body weight (g), hen feed consumption (g/hen/day), egg mass (g egg/hen/day) and hen-day egg production (%). However, egg weight (g) at 8-12 weeks of age reduced significantly. Moreover, feed conversion ratio (g feed/g egg), did not alter among groups. Egg quality criteria were not affected by FFCS supplementationexcept for the egg shape index which decreased significantly at 10 and 15% FFCS groups. Serum total protein, albumen, uric acid, creatinine, hepatic enzyme activities, triiodothyronine, total cholesterol and HDL-cholesterolconcentrations were not altered. However, serum triglycerides and LDL-cholesterol showed significant reduction in all treated groups. Furthermore, serum glutathione peroxidase level was greatly influencedin supplemented groups, while malondialdehyde level reduced significantly. In conclusion, FFCS inclusion in Laying Japanese quail diets up to 15% enhanced the laying performance, blood lipids profile and anti-oxidative status. Thus, it can be regarded as alternative sources of energy and protein in poultry rations.