Distribution of Transferrin, Albumin, Post-Albumin, Amylase, and Haemoglobin Genotypes in Droughtmaster Cattle

Abstract

Three hundred and sixty-one cows from 2 herds of Droughtmaster beef cattle, representing 3 cattle populations, were typed for 5 protein polymorphisms. The gene frequencies for the transferrin, post-albumin, and haemoglobin polymorphisms did not differ between the 3 populations. The gene frequencies for the albumin and amylase polymorphisms were consistent in 2 populations (classified and non-classified breeders) in 1 herd, but the frequencies differed significantly in the 2 herds. There was a consistent excess of transferrin heterozygotes in the 3 populations, which was significant overall (P<0.05) and averaged 7.6%. There was also a consistent and significant (P< 0.01) excess of albumin heterozygotes which averaged 22%. The haemoglobin, post-albumin, and amylase systems did not show an excess of heterozygotes.