Structure and organization of Caprinae globin genes

In order to obtain molecular and biochemical data, which might help to elucidate aspects of evolution of Caprinae globin genes, we characterized the Hb phenotype of Ammotragus lervia (Barbary sheep) and compared it with O. aries (of the A and B-haplotypes), O. g. mnslmon (of the B and M-haplotypes), O.g. ophion (Cyprus mouflon), and Capra hircus. DNA sequencing analysis on PCR amplified segments was used to define the adult beta-globin gene of Cyprus mouflon and Hb B type sheep. The structure of the adult beta-globin gene of Barbary sheep was partially determined for the first time indicating closer relationships with goat than with sheep.