Esther Nosawemwenze OGIESEWU

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) initiate an innate immune response system(Chang, 2010). TLR2 genetic differentiation between populations could result from neutral processes or natural selection. The aim of this study was to determine the genetic distance of toll-like receptor 2 gene in breeds of rabbits. A total number of 40adult rabbits (5months and above) were raised at the University of Benin teaching and research farm. Four (4) breeds of rabbits were selected for this experiment (Chinchilla, New Zealand, Hyla and Dutch breeds). About 2ml of blood was collected from the ear vein of the Rabbit separately and placed in a plain bottle containing 6ml of RNA shield. Blood samples were temporarily stored in a refrigerator before DNA extraction and analysis. Genomic DNA was isolated from each blood sample using the Zymo quick-g DNATM. Miniprep kit. Following the manufacturer’s instructions. The results showed that there was no genetic diversity between Hyla male (F1) x Chinchilla Male (Parent) as well asHyla male (F1 generation) x Hyla male (F1). Furthermore, the degree to which Chinchilla Male (F1generation) x Chinchilla Male (F2generation), Chinchilla Male(Parent) x Chinchilla Male (F1generation) and Hyla Female (Parent) x Chinchilla Male (F1generation) differ was constant and the same, while the lowest degree of diversity in genetic Tol-like receptors was obtained from Chinchilla, Male (Parent)x Chinchilla, Male (Parent).