Electrophoresis of the serum proteins and transferrins of Alces Alces (ELK), Rangifer tarandus (Reindeer), and Ovis Dalli (Dall sheep) from North America

Abstract

1. 1. Serum proteins of Alces alces, Rangifer tarandus and Ovis dalli were analyzed by starch-gel electrophoresis and radioautography with 59Fe. 2. 2. Protein patterns of Alaskan Alces alces were similar to patterns reported from Norway. There was no intraspecific polymorphism of the proteins, including the two or perhaps three transferrins. 3. 3. Sera of Rangifer tarandus from Alaska exhibited transferrin polymorphism manifested by a variety of two-, three- or four-band patterns; the data were similar to those reported from Norwegian Rangifer. The three transferrin genes most prevalent in Norway also appeared most common in Alaska. 4. 4. The proteins of Ovis dalli, with a single rapidly migrating transferrin, differed considerably from Rangifer and Alces which shared many common features and are considered most closely related. 5. 5. The value of serum proteins as a means for studying systematic relationships among wild Artiodactyla, especially Rangifer, is discussed.