Genomic Inbreeding and Runs of Homozygosity Analysis of Cashmere Goat

This study on cashmere goats used whole-genome resequencing data from 123 goats to analyze runs of homozygosity (ROHs) and assess genomic inbreeding levels. The Inner Mongolia cashmere goat showed the lowest inbreeding coefficient of 0.0263. Researchers identified 57,224 ROHs and 74 ROH islands containing 50 genes linked to traits such as fiber, meat, and milk production, fertility, disease resistance, and growth. Additionally, 135 consensus ROHs were found, with candidate genes associated with fiber length or color. These findings improve understanding of inbreeding and genetic traits in cashmere goats, aiding future breeding and conservation efforts.