Serum beta-globulin types in red deer and other species and their stability in the presence of bacteria

INDIVIDUAL variations in the serum β-globulin patterns obtained on starch-gel electrophoresis have been shown to be genetically determined in a number of species1–5 and in some the proteins concerned have been shown to be transferrins7,8. These variations have been ascribed to a number of alleles5,6 which have been used in the genetic characterization of animal populations2,3,7. This communication reports the serum β-globulin patterns found in red deer (Cervus elaphus) with some observations and experiments on their stability, shows that they are due to transferrins and makes some comparisons with the β-globulin patterns in other species.