Haemoglobin type and blood potassium and sodium concentrations in Sudan desert sheep

Summary The incidence and distribution of haemoglobin types and potassium and sodium concentrations in whole blood of 411 Sudan Desert sheep and 11 Merino sheep were determined. Haemoglobin types were distinguished by electrophoresis in starch gel and blood potassium and sodium levels by flame photometry. Of the 411 animals examined, 396 possessed haemoglobin B in the homozygous state while only 15 possessed haemoglobin AB. The homozygous AA haemoglobin was not detected. No bimodality was found in whole blood potassium and sodium levels and the distributions were normal.