Population Structure and Genetic Diversity of Tumbler Pigeon Based on Whole-Genome Resequencing

The Tumbler pigeon, a genetic resource of pigeons, exhibits diverse feather colors and distinct flight characteristics compared with other pigeon species, but the genetic basis of these traits remains unclear. Using whole-genome resequencing technology with Illumina NovaSeq X Plus paired-end sequencing (PE150, read length 150 bp) at an average genome coverage of 14.5×, this study analyzed the genetic structure, genetic diversity, and genetic differentiation of 80 individual Tumbler pigeons, Tarim pigeons and homing pigeons, collected from different regions of Xinjiang. In principal component analysis, the Tarim pigeon (TP) and the homing pigeon (XY) each formed relatively independent clusters, and there is a detectable genetic distance between them and the Tumbler pigeon (FC, FY) from the two regions. Moreover, there is an individual overlap phenomenon between the two Tumbler pigeon populations. In the analysis of genetic diversity, N_a ranged from 1.93 to 1.97 and N_e from 1.55 to 1.56 across populations, with the TP population exhibiting the highest N_a. PIC values ranged between 0.251 and 0.256, and H_E values were lower than H_O values in all four pigeon populations, indicating that moderate levels of genetic polymorphism were retained. In phylogenetic tree and population structure analyses, TP and XY formed relatively independent clusters. At the same time, individuals from the two Tumbler pigeon regions showed intermixing, resulting in the most distinct clustering pattern. Based on these findings, detectable genetic differentiation exists among the Tumbler pigeon, Tarim pigeon, and homing pigeon, suggesting that Tumbler pigeons may represent a locally differentiated genetic resource. The findings of this study will enhance our understanding of the population genetic structure of Tumbler pigeon resources, which is of great significance for promoting the conservation of Tumbler pigeon genetic resources and facilitating breed innovation and genetic improvement.