Haemoglobin polymorphism in selected farm animals: A review

S.S.A. Egena,R.O. Alao

doi:10.2298/bah1403377e

Abstract

Biochemical diversity or polymorphism is the occurrence of varieties attributed to biochemical differences which are under genetic control. It has created a leeway for the genetic improvement of farm animals. This is because it can be used as a useful tool for the characterization of livestock breeds and population. This way, the degree of similarity or differences within and between breeds can be ascertained and this differences or similarity are important raw materials for genetic improvement of animals. Data obtained on gene frequencies and genotypes through polymorphism study makes it not only possible to compare the gene stocks of animals, the possible effects of the genes on reproductive and performance traits, but also study genetic variability under different environmental conditions of selection. This study was carried out to review haemoglobin (Hb) polymorphism in selected farm animals with the view of finding out the type of polymorphism observed by starch gel electrophoresis due to variation in the amino acid sequence in the polypeptide chains of Hb. The review showed clearly that there is a gene-controlled diversity in the different farm animals considered. This could serve as a reference point for future studies earmarked for the improvement of the animals possibly via marker-assisted selection.

Highlights

Genetic differences exist in all farm animals which lead to variability in the reproductive and performance abilities of animals both within, and between breeds
Biochemical polymorphism on the other hand as defined by the same author, is the occurrence of varieties attributed to biochemical differences which are under genetic control
There are more advanced technologies for genetic studies of polymorphism in farm animals, the economic situations and inadequacy of infrastructural facilities in developing countries means that the importance of such studies using starch gel electrophoresis cannot be discountenanced

Summary

Introduction

Genetic differences exist in all farm animals which lead to variability in the reproductive and performance abilities of animals both within, and between breeds. This type of polymorphism is increasingly being used in the study of genetic variation within and between populations and to estimate genetic divergence (Lee et al, 1995) This is because the biochemical elements (blood proteins and enzymes) can be used widely as biomarkers of corresponding structural genes. There are more advanced technologies for genetic studies of polymorphism in farm animals, the economic situations and inadequacy of infrastructural facilities in developing countries means that the importance of such studies using starch gel electrophoresis cannot be discountenanced. Thompson and Thompson (1980) and Peters et al (2004) reporting on the importance of Hb stated that, it has revealed more about the molecular basis of human, animal and medical genetics, vital for the part it plays in demonstrating the relationship between genetic information and protein structure, illustrated the mechanisms of new gene formation other than by point mutation as well as its importance in shedding more light on the causes of a variety of genetic disorders of the blood. The importance of Hb can not be over-emphasized

Haemoglobin polymorphism

Conclusion

Findings

Polimorfizam hemoglobina u izabranim vrstama domaćih životinja