Hemoglobin polymorphism in Italian water buffalo (Bubalus bubalus (Arnee))

Abstract

Summary Electrophoretic analysis of 794 individual samples of water buffalo hemoglobin shows the presence of three phenotypes, AA, AB and BB. Phenotype AA has only the fast hemoglobin (Hb‐fast). Phenotype AB and BB have the fast as well as the slow hemoglobin (Hb‐slow). The quantitative ratio Hb‐fast: Hb‐slow is approximately 68:32 in BB and 84:16 in AB. Several genetic mechanisms are discussed in the light of the biochemical and family data provided.