EVALUATION OF SERUM PROTEIN POLYMORPHISMS IN WEST AFRICAN DWARF AND RED SOKOTO GOATS IN SOUTH-WEST NIGERIA

Abstract

Genetic similarities and variations in West African Dwarf and Red Sokoto goats in the South-West Nigeria were investigated on the basis of serum protein polymorphisms using sodium dodecyl sulphate poly- acrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). Sera extracted from 200 West African Dwarf (WAD) and Red Sokoto (RS) goats were subjected to discontinuous system of SDS-PAGE to separate the proteins into five different zones; two globulin types (AA and BB) and three albumin types (AA, AB and BB). The formation of protein bands observed in variable loci within each zone (globulin and albumin zones) was an indication of diversification of goats in South-West Nigeria, while observation of bands in corresponding loci was an indication of relatedness in goat protein polymorphisms. Closer genetic attributes were exhibited in WAD goats than in Red Sokoto goats, that is, globulin and albumin banding pattern in the same breed are more similar when compared to the other breed. High polymorphisms existed among WAD goats, while low polymorphisms existed among the Red Sokoto goats (in terms of faint and thick bands). Similar banding pattern observed in few of the Red Sokoto and WAD goats indicated genetic similarity. There is a need for further study on effects of serum protein polymorphisms on morphometric traits using highly polymorphic protein or DNA markers for better understanding of breed characterization, conservation and genetic improvement of WAD and Red Sokoto goats in South-West Nigeria.