The R- and G-banded karyotypes of the sable antelope (Hippotragus niger).

The karyotype of the sable antelope has been investigated by RBG- and GTG-banding techniques. Chromosome preparations were made from peripheral blood lymphocytes, and primary fibroblast cells were cultured from skin biopsies. The RBG-banded chromosomes were identified and classified according to the standard conventions used for cattle and goat. The diploid number of the sable antelope is 60. The autosomes are all acrocentric, the X is a large acrocentric, and the Y is a minute acrocentric. Comparison of banding patterns in sable antelope and cattle chromosomes reveals the existence of a high degree of homoeology except for at least one pair of autosomes and the X chromosome.