Occurrence of Multiple Hemoglobins in Certain Breeds of Dairy Cattle

Abstract

Hemoglobin preparations from 158 dairy cattle were examined by paper electrophoresis to determine whether multiple adult hemoglobins normally occur. Samples from 79 Holsteins, 8 Brown Swiss, and 8 Ayrshires contained a single component designated hemoglobin A. It was concluded that the possession of hemoglobin A alone is characteristic of Holsteins. A 2d, faster-migrating component, called hemoglobin F, was found in the blood of 15 of 34 Guernseys and 17 of 25 Jerseys. Both hemoglobins A and F were present in 13 of the Guernseys and 13 of the Jerseys, but hemoglobin F occurred alone in only two Guernseys and 4 Jerseys. In all blood samples containing both types, the ratio of hemoglobin A to hemoglobin F was close to 1:1. No significant sex differences, qualitative or quantitative, were encountered. The occurrence of hemoglobin F in some adult dairy animals appears to be a normal, breed specific phenomenon.