HAEMAGLOBIN TYPES IN SHEEP IN OF SEMI-ARID ZONE OF NORTH EASTERN NIGERIA

Abstract

Genotyping is not a test to diagnose a disease, but rather a test looking for certain information encoded on the prion protein (PrP) gene. This encoded information helps determine the susceptibility of sampled sheep to developing clinical disease from a disease should the animal be exposed. Therefore, haemaglobin types in sheep in the semi-arid zone of North Eastern Nigeria was determined at haemoglobin (Hb) locus level. One hundred and sixty-eight (168) animals were used for the study. Blood samples comprising 56 each of Yankasa, Balami and Uda breeds were collected from households, sheep and goats’ markets and abattoir. The blood samples were analysed for haemaglobin types. Blood samples (5 mL per animal) were obtained from the jugular vein using a 10 mL syringe attached to 21gauge x ½ inch needle. The blood samples collected was then placed in tubes coated with ethylene-diamine tetra-acetic acid (EDTA) as anticoagulant. The samples were adequately labeled and taken to Federal Teaching Hospital Gombe haematology’s laboratory for analysis. Haemoglobin type was identified using cellulose acetate paper electrophoresis. Genotypic frequencies were estimated, and sheep showed only HbAA genotype. Genotypic frequencies were similar in both sexes of sheep implying that there was no effect in sex on Hb frequency. It is therefore concluded that there were no polymorphisms at Hb locus since only the Hb AA was exhibited.