Genetic Relationship between Indigenous Cattle of Nigeria
Keywords:
Cattle, Blood protein, Genetic Distance, Genetic identity, DendrogramAbstract
This study was undertaken to asess the genetic relationship of selected breeds of cattle (Sokoto Gudali Red Bororo and White Fulani) using Transferrin, Carbonic anhydrase and Haemoglobin. Blood samples were collected from 300 cattle comprising of 100 Sokoto Gudali, 100 Red Bororo and 100 White Fulani into heparinized bottles and the protein polymorphism were investigated using cellulose acetate electrophoresis. The Genetic distance estimated for the three loci ranged from 0.006 to 0.047 while the genetic identity between the cattle at the three loci ranged from 0.954 to 0.994. Using protein loci, the genetic distance indicated that the Red Bororo and White Fulani were the most genetically similar while Sokoto Gudali was farther from the two breeds indicating that Sokoto Gudali may have had different historical origins or prehistoric migration route. the dendrogram of the three cattle shows that Sokoto Gudali branched from another root aside from the one Red Bororo and White Fulani branched from. Signifying prehistoric separation of origin in the Gudali breed. Based on the results of this study, it is recommended that distant breeds are a good fit for improved animal population. Hence, the crossing of Sokoto Gudali with either White Fulani or Red Bororo breeds will produce a better improved population of animals, since the breeds are heterogeneous and distinctly different in their genetic and origin relationship.