A possible relationship between haemonchosis and haemoglobin polymorphism in Merino sheep in Kenya

Abstract

It is known that sheep show polymorphism for haemoglobin in that three phenotypes (HbA, HbB AND HbAB) are normally found. Since it has been suggested, on the basis of haematological values, that HbA type sheep are more able to survive in Haemonchus contortus endemic environments, a preliminary study was conducted on the performance of set-stocked Merino ewes and lambs in relation to their haemoglobin phenotypes. The results provided some evidence that, in Merino sheep at least, those with HbA type show 'self-cure' more frequently and effectively than those with HbB and HbAB types. Examination of the PCV values and total body weights of Merino eres showed a similar trend, ie, the HbA types had the highest haematological parameters and the heaviest body weights, while the HbB types were consistently lowest. It would appear that the practical significance of these results justifies investigation on a larger scale.