Abstract

This paper aims to search genetic structures of purebred Kivircik sheep raised in Turkey based on erythrocyte potassium and glutathione types and also to determine the relationship between these components and some blood parameters. The phenotypic frequencies were 68% for LK and 32% for HK erythrocyte potassium types in the purebred Kivircik breed. The allele gene frequency of K^H and K^L loci were calculated as 0.56 and 0.44 respectively. There was no relationship detected between gender factor and blood parameters. But, significant relationships were obtained between erythrocyte potassium types and some blood parameters (Na_wb, Na_e, K_wb, K_p, K_e, Na_e +K_e; p<0, 05). At the same time, the correlation coefficient between K_e and Na_e was calculated as R = -0.58, (p<0.01). But, correlation coefficient was not significant between blood parameters and hematocrit value (PCV). All animals were detected as low types in terms of glutathione level (GSH^h). The mean of erythrocyte glutathione was determined as 29.79 mg/dL in red blood cell. The mean of erythrocyte potassium concentrations (K_e) were 9.22 and 23.47 mmol/L for the LK and HK types of animals, respectively and the mean differences between LK and HK types were statistically important in this study (p<0.01).

Key words: Kivircik sheep, erythrocyte potassium, glutathione, blood polymorphism.