Haemoglobin types in African cattle

Abstract

The migration of domesticated animals in Africa is of particular interest to the anthropologist and ethnologist in that it may provide valuable information concerning the migration of human tribes that accompanied these animals.

Haemoglobin C is only found to be present in indigenous breeds of African cattle and can therefore be used as one of the best genetic markers of these animals.

Haemoglobin B has been established in many breeds in Africa and India. It seems that the further away the animals migrated from India, the lower is the frequency of HbB.

Breed comparisons from numerous breeds in Africa are made, including the results of the present investigations on breeds of different countries in Southern Africa.