Biochemical Characterization of the Indigenous Turkey (Meleagris Gallopavo) Populations in the Southern Guinea Savannah 0f Nigeria Using Blood Protein Markers

Quick Response Code Abstract: This study was conducted to assess allelic and genotypic frequencies at the selected blood protein [Albumin (Alb.), Haemoglobin (Hb.) and Transferrin (Tf)] loci in indigenous turkey populations in Southern Guinea Savannah of Nigeria. Blood samples were collected from 42 birds, 14 birds each from Benue, Kogi and Nasarawa States via purposive sampling. The blood was analysed by electrophoresis. The genetic relationship of the population was determined by using Tools for Population Genetics Analysis (TFPGA), version 1.3. Result obtained indicated that, two co-dominant alleles (A and B) which controlled three different genotypes (AA, AB and BB) were observed for Alb and Tf while only two genotypes (AA and BB) for the Hb polymorphic loci were observed. Sexual differences in gene and genotypic frequencies of Alb, Hb and Tf of male and female turkeys showed that genotype Alb AB and allele A were prevalent in the male while genotype Alb BB and Allele B were predominant in the female turkey. However, at the haemoglobin locus, genotype Hb AA and allele A were prevalent in the male and female turkey, respectively. For tranferrin, genotype Tf AB was most predominant in the male with equal frequencies in both alleles while genotype Tf BB