An integrated genomics approach to improving wool productivity and quality

    January 2009 in “ Adelaide Research & Scholarship (AR&S) (University of Adelaide) ”
    PI Hynd, C. Simon Bawden, Rufaut Nw, BJ Norris, Matt McDowall, A. U. Nixon, Yu Zhao, A. G. Pearson, G. S. Nattrass, C Gordon-Thompson, GP Moore, SM Dunn, NM Edwards, D. W. Smith, C. J. McLaughlan
    TLDR Identifying and manipulating key genes can improve wool quality and productivity in sheep.
    The sheepgenomics program aimed to enhance wool productivity and quality by identifying and utilizing important genes in sheep. The wool subprogram combined gene association and functional biology studies to pinpoint genes and networks that could be manipulated or selected for improved wool traits. Notable advancements were made in identifying genes related to wool follicle initiation, hair cycle regulation, recessive black pigmentation, and fleece rot. The program demonstrated that manipulating key windows of fetal development could lead to lifetime improvements in wool production, providing a significant proof of concept in functional, developmental genomics.
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