Blood groups in cattle

Abstract

Blood group factors were determined in five breeds of cattle (Gir, Nelore, Pitangueiras, Girolanda and Brown Swiss) from Botucatu region, SP, Brazil. From each cattle 10 ml of the venous blood were collected into tubes with anticoagulant. The blood groaps were determined through the technique of Stormont, using 42 cattle specific reagents. The majority of the blood factors present in high and significant (P < 0.001) frequencies in the B System (B₁, Y₁, B, Y₂, E₃, T₁) were observed in the Gir, Girolanda, Pitangueiras and Brown Swiss breeds. Such blood factors may have pleiotropic effects with milk production and this blood factors can probably be utilized as genetic markers in breeds analysed.