Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production.
1986, 46: 237-240
Haemoglobin type has been correlated with reproductive traits in several
sheep breeds. This study measured haemoglobin type and ovulation rate in
over 1300 Booroola Merino cross sheep and 1000 controls of 4 breeds.
Haemoglobin type was measured over several years by 3 different methods;
cellulose acetate electrophoresis, starch gel electrophoresis and
isoelectric focusing. Though resolution differed between methods, the
blood types scored were the same.
In Booroola Merino x Romney ewes there was significant association
between the HbB allele and the F gene carriers, as well as between the
HbA allele and non-carriers. The Booroola Merino ewes showed the same
trend though it was non-significant. In non-Booroola flocks of Romneys,
Perendales, Coopworths and Merinos, there was no relation between
ovulation rate and haemoglobin type. While the HbB allele was
associated with higher ovulation rate in Booroola Merino crosses, it was
not an absolute marker for the F gene.
Isoelectric focusing improves haemoglobin resolution and has identified
a third, more cathodal allele, at low frequency. Independent tests have
confirmed that this is HbC, associated with anaemia in sheep.
Keywords: NZSAPAB;
Haemoglobin type; Booroola; ovulation rate; cellulose acetate
electrophoresis; starch gel electrophoresis; isoelectric focusing
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Last Updated 18-03-1997
