In order to obtain molecular and biochemical data, which might help to elucidate aspects of evolution of Caprinae globin genes, we characterized the Hb phenotype ofAmmotragus lervia (Barbary sheep) and compared it withO. aries (of the A and B-haplotypes),O. g. musimon (of the B and M-haplotypes),O. g. ophion (Cyprus mouflon), andCapra hircus. DNA sequencing analysis on PCR amplified segments was used to define the adult β-globin gene of Cyprus mouflon and Hb B type sheep. The structure of the adult β-globin gene of Barbary sheep was partially determined for the first time indicating closer relationships with goat than with sheep.