SISTER CHROMATID EXCHANGE IN CHROMOSOMES OF RIVER BUFFALO (BUBALUS BUBALIS L.)

A detailed study of sister chromatid exchange (SCE) in chromosomes of river buffalo (Bubalus bubalis L.) reared in Southern ltaly is reported. In 34 subjects from two different farms and provinces, the total mean value of SCE/cell was found to be 8.8±3.4. Of 33600 chromosomes examined, 5358 (15.9%) showed SCEs, most of which with one SCE (14 .3%). An analysis of SCE-distribution on marker chromosomes (five biarmed pairs and X-chromosome) from 25 subjects, revealed non-random distribution of SCEs and possible positive relation between SCEs and heterochromatin-rich chromosome arms.