Biochemical characterization of the nigerian indigenous guinea fowl (Numida meleagris)

Abel Oguntunji,Taiwo Aremu,Kolawole Ayorinde

doi:10.2298/bah1603271o

Abel Oguntunji, Taiwo Aremu + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.2298/bah1603271o

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Abstract

Blood protein polymorphism has been extensively used for characterization and estimation of genetic diversity in farm animals. A study on biochemical characterization and estimation of genetic diversity of Nigerian indigenous guinea fowls (Numida meleagris) was conducted using four blood proteins {Haemoglobin (Hb), Carbonic anhydrase (CA), Transferrin (Tf) and Albumin (Alb)}. Cellulose acetate electrophoresis indicated that all the protein markers were polymorphic; expressing two co-dominant genes and two genotypes at their respective locus. Heterozygouse genotypes were prevalent at Hb, Tf and Alb loci while homozygoutes were more frequent for CA. Allelic constitution was similar (A and B) for Hb, Tf and Alb while F and S were typed at CA locus. Gene A had higher frequency of occurrence at Tf and Alb loci while gene F and B was prevalent at CA and Hb locus, respectively. Average estimated genetic diversity (heterozygosity) across the genetic systems was 0.40 and moderate. Prevalence of genes F, A and B at their respective locus is suggestive of their relevancies to the survival and adaptability of the studied population to its natural habitat.

Highlights

Efficient utilization, improvement and conservation of a species or breed are practically impossible in the absence of certain relevant background information of its unique attributes
Contributing to the importance of characterization of farm animals, Halima (2007) posited that genetic characterization of the domestic animals is an integral component of the Food and Agriculture Organization’s (FAO) global strategy for the management of farm animal genetic resources while Gholizadeh et al (2008) stated that genetic characterization of populations/breeds allows the evaluation of genetic variability, a fundamental element in planning breeding strategies and genetic conservation plans
Since the base population from which the sample used for this study was random mating and had not undergone mild or intense selection for any trait; the prevalence of certain genes at their respective locus is suggestive of their importance to the adaptability and survival of this galliforme in its natural harsh tropical environment

Summary

Introduction

Improvement and conservation of a species or breed are practically impossible in the absence of certain relevant background information of its unique attributes. The study of genetically-controlled biochemical polymorphisms of blood proteins has been used by researchers to characterize livestock breeds and populations and for the evaluation of genetic diversity existing in farm animals (Oguntunji and Ayorinde, 2015; Akinyemi et al, 2014; Ige et al, 2013; Nyamsamba et al, 2003). To the best knowledge of the authors, researches geared towards characterization using blood proteins or molecular markers and estimation of genetic diversity within and between Nigerian indigenous guinea fowl varieties are practically non-existent. In view of the foregoing, it is evident that characterization and conservation of diverse genetic attributes of the indigenous species are imperative and long overdue in order to maintain genetic biodiversity of the indigenous animals, enhance food security of the teeming population and boost economic empowerment in developing countries (Oguntunji, 2013). The present study was conducted to characterize and estimate genetic diversity in Nigerian indigenous guinea fowls based on four blood proteins

Materials and methods

Electrophoretic procedures

Results and discussion

Conclusion