Polymorphic Variation of Hemoglobins in Buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis)

Abstract

In the present report the biochemical polymorphism of hemoglobins in 96 Indian buffaloes from different breed groups of Murrah, Jafarabadi and Mediterranean races reared in the experimental farm Lageado - UNESP - Botucatu, State of São Paulo was studied. Hemoglobins variants were identified through agarstarch gel electrophoresis, in discontinuous buffer system, pH 8.6. Animals showing one fast band (A,) were considered AA (4.4%); buffaloes with two bands (A, and A2) were considered AB (31.87%) when A2 was weak and BB (31.87%), when A2 was strong. A third band was detected, named N. Phenotypes with three bands with the respective frequencies: ABN (3.3% and BBN (30.77%). Densitometric analyses and the lack of AAN phenotype drove us to conclude that, in some way, the mutant (3 chains synthesis that originated N band was related probably to a" allele. Probably, the high frequency of N band was due to the intensive use of few breeders.