Relationship between haemoglobin types and productivity of Thai indigenous and Simmental × Brahman crossbred cattle

The relationship between the haemoglobin (Hb) type and reproduction and body weight was estimated in two different cattle breeds including 59 Thai indigenous and 51 Simmental × Brahman crossbred cows. Haemoglobin type was measured using cellulose acetate electrophoresis. Five haemoglobin types were present in indigenous cattle: HbAA (35.59%), HbAB (28.81%), HbAC (20.34%), HbBB (11.6%) and HbBC (3.39%). In the Simmental × Brahman crossbred cattle, three haemoglobin types, 50.98% HbAA, 45.10% HbAB and 3.92% HbBB, were present. The results revealed that Thai indigenous cows with HbAB type were heavier at birth, however, the best growth performance was recorded in HbAC animals. In contrast, calves carrying HbBB type were the lightest animals at birth and were the youngest group at first calving. This group of Thai indigenous cows was more than 4 months younger at first calving than the heifers with HbAA type. Simmental × Brahman crossbred cows with HbAA type were significantly (P < 0.05) heavier than the animals with HbAB type at birth as well as on days 200, 400 and 600 of age. Whereas, the animals with HbAB type gave birth to their first calf at a significantly (P < 0.05) younger age than those with HbAA type.