Abstract

Aim: Purpose of the study was to investigate the genetic distance among three breeds of sheep using blood biochemical Polymorphisms - Yankasa, Balami and Uda.

Method and materials: A total of 30 animals, comprising of 10 individuals from each breed were examined to determine genotype distribution, allele frequencies, Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium (HWE), heterozygosity, inbreeding coefficients and genetic distance. About 5ml of Blood were collected via jugular vein and transferred immediately into a well level bottle (EDTA) anti-coagulant, placed to a chill ice pack and sample were analyzed using an automated haematology analyzer.

Results: Results revealed three haemoglobin genotypes (AA, AB and BB) with Yankasa exhibiting all variants while Balami and Uda lacked the heterozygous AB genotype. Hb BB was predominant across all breeds particularly in Balami (90%) and Uda (90%) suggesting possible adaptive advantage or directional selection for the B allele. Chi-square analysis indicated significant deviation from HWE in Yankasa and Uda whereas Balami approximated equilibrium conditions. Observed heterozygosity was extremely low in all breeds particularly Yankasa and Uda (Ho = 0.00) indicating high levels of homozygosity and potential inbreeding. F-statistics showed complete heterozygote deficit in Yankasa and Uda (FIS = 1.00) while Balami exhibited a slight heterozygote excess (FIS = –0.0526). Genetic distance estimates revealed close affinity between Balami and Uda (0.0029) and greater divergence between Yankasa and Balami (0.2076).

Conclusion: The findings demonstrated varying levels of genetic diversity among the breeds with evidence of genetic differentiation, reduced heterozygosity and restricted gene flow in some populations. It was concluded that the need for structured breeding, conservation strategies and molecular characterization to enhance genetic diversity and sustain the productivity of indigenous sheep breeds in Nigeria.

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