Genomic Regions Associated With Wool, Growth, and Reproduction Traits in Uruguayan Merino Sheep

This study investigated genomic regions linked to wool, growth, and reproduction traits in approximately 2000 Uruguayan Merino sheep. Using genome-wide association studies, researchers identified significant genomic windows for various traits: 35 for wool traits, explaining 4.85% and 9.06% of the genetic variance for fiber diameter and clean fleece weight, respectively; 42 for live weight, explaining 43.2% of the variance; 22 for body condition score, accounting for over 40% of the variance; and 53 for reproduction traits, with 24 and 29 windows for pregnancy rate and lambing potential, respectively. Key genes associated with these traits include IGF-1 and TGFB2R for wool, CAST and LAP3 for live weight, CDH10 and TMC2 for body condition, and ADCY1 and LEPR for reproduction.