Biochemical Polymorphism in Newzealand White X Chinchilla Rabbit Crosses

Abstract

The study evaluated diversity within New Zealand white and Chinchilla rabbit
crosses using four structural protein loci: Hemoglobin (Hb), Albumin (Alb),
Transferin (Tf) and Carbonic anhydrase (CA). Blood (4mls) was sampled from a
total of 49 rabbits through ocular venipuncture. The samples collected were
analysed using cellulose acetate electrophoresis to estimate the genetic variability
within the populations. The degree of heterozygosity, deviation from Hardy-
Weinberg's Equilibrium (HWE), F , and F values were estimated. All four proteinsIS ST
loci studied were found to be polymorphic. CA and Alb produced two codominant
alleles which controlled three different genotypes. While the two observed
codominant alleles in Hb and Tf controlled two genotypes. The haemoglobin locus
had the highest heterozygosity value (0.87) while the lowest value (0.53) was
recorded at the Albumin locus. Significant deviation from Hardy-Weinberg
equilibrium (P < 0.05) was observed at Hb and Tf loci while CA and Alb loci were
found to conform with Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (p > 0.05). Negative F values were obtained for all the studied loci indicating the deficiency of homozygotes in the
population and that mates were less related in comparison to the average
relationship of the population. The results obtained could serve as a reference point
in the genetic improvement of the rabbit genetic resource.