X-Chromatin Status of Rabbits in Selected Farms in Port Harcourt, Nigeria

A study was carried out to determine the X-chromatin status of rabbits in Port Harcourt-Nigeria. Sixty sexually and clinically healthy adult rabbits (30 males & 30 females) with their ages ranging from 8 to 9 months were used. Blood samples were collected on EDTA reinforced sample bottles via the ear veins and blood smears made on clean glass slides. Thereafter they were stained with Leishmanʹs, rinsed in distilled water and air dried. With the aid of microscope, 200 polymorphonuclear neutrophils were examined for the presence of drumstick appendages. The results revealed that the females had an average X-chromatin status of 2.78%, while the males showed 0%. These values were within the normal range of 2-12% for females and 0.00%-2.00% for males. It was concluded that these animals may well be free from X-chromatin-related physiogenetic problems or malfunctions. © 2010 Friends Science Publishers