Biochemical characterization of the nigerian indigenous guinea fowl (Numida meleagris)

Abstract

Blood protein polymorphism has been extensively used for characterization and estimation of genetic diversity in farm animals. A study on biochemical characterization and estimation of genetic diversity of Nigerian indigenous guinea fowls (Numida meleagris) was conducted using four blood proteins {Haemoglobin (Hb), Carbonic anhydrase (CA), Transferrin (Tf) and Albumin (Alb)}. Cellulose acetate electrophoresis indicated that all the protein markers were polymorphic; expressing two co-dominant genes and two genotypes at their respective locus. Heterozygouse genotypes were prevalent at Hb, Tf and Alb loci while homozygoutes were more frequent for CA. Allelic constitution was similar (A and B) for Hb, Tf and Alb while F and S were typed at CA locus. Gene A had higher frequency of occurrence at Tf and Alb loci while gene F and B was prevalent at CA and Hb locus, respectively. Average estimated genetic diversity (heterozygosity) across the genetic systems was 0.40 and moderate. Prevalence of genes F, A and B at their respective locus is suggestive of their relevancies to the survival and adaptability of the studied population to its natural habitat.