Abstract

Aim: The main purpose of the study was to evaluate the haemoglobin genotyping of two cattle breed wadara and kuri in Nigeria.

Method and materials: A total of 20 matured and healthy cattle was used for the study comprising male and female from two breeds of indigenous cattle (10 Wadara and 10 kuri) respectively. The study therefore assessed the distribution of haemoglobin genotypes and gene frequencies in indigenous cattle breeds. Blood samples (5 mL) were collected from the cattle at slaughter point upon collection, the blood was immediately transferred into EDTA bottles to prevent coagulation and analysed using cellulose acetate electrophoresis to identify the haemoglobin variants present.

Results: Result showed that three haemoglobin genotypes (HbAA, HbAB and HbBB) were detected in both breeds. In Wadara genotype counts were AA = 2 (20%), AB = 5 (50%) and BB = 3 (30%) giving allele frequencies of HbA = 0.45 and HbB = 0.55. In Kuri genotype counts were AA = 4 (40%), AB = 2 (20%) and BB = 4 (40%) with allele frequencies HbA = 0.50 and HbB = 0.50. Observed heterozygosity was higher in Wadara (Ho = 0.50) than in Kuri (Ho = 0.20) while expected heterozygosity was 0.45 and 0.50 respectively. Chi-square tests showed no significant deviation from Hardy–Weinberg expectations for either breed (p > 0.05). Genetic distance between the breeds at the haemoglobin locus was very small (d ≈ 0.027–0.009) indicating close genetic relationship.

Conclusion: It was concluded that baseline data on haemoglobin genotypes and allele frequencies can inform future breeding and conservation decisions for indigenous cattle in northeastern Nigeria.

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