Investigation of haemoglobin polymorphism in Ogaden cattle

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND AIM : The Ogaden cattle is one among the tropical cattle breeds (Bos indicus) widely distributed in eastern and south eastern part of Ethiopia. The breed has been evolved in arid and semi arid agro-ecological setup, but later on distributed and adapted to the wide agro-ecological zones. Because of its multi-purpose role, the Ogaden cattle have been used for milk, beef, and income generation. Information on the inherent genetic diversity is important in the design of breeding improvement programmes, making rational decisions on sustainable utilization and conservation of Animal Genetic Resources. Limited information is available about genetic variation of Ogaden breed at molecular level. The present investigation was aimed to study the biochemical polymorphism at the Hemoglobin (Hb) locus. MATERIALS AND METHODS : Blood samples collected from 105 Ogaden cattle maintained at Haramaya beef farm by jugular vein puncture were subjected to agarose gel electrophoresis [pH range 8.4-8.5] to study the polymorphic activities of haemoglobin. RESULTS : Three types of phenotypes were detected i.e. a slow moving (AA) band, fast moving (BB) band and a combination of slow + fast moving bands (AB). The frequency of the fast moving band was less [13 (12.3%)] than the slow moving band [57 A (54.2%)]. Both slow & fast moving phenotype was observed in 35 (33.3%) animals. The gene frequency of HB allele was B 0.709 and that of HB allele 0.291. CONCLUSION : The distribution of phenotypes was in agreement with codominant single gene inheritance. The Chi-square (÷2) test revealed that the population is under Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium.