Effects of KRTAP20-1 Gene Variation on Wool Traits in Chinese Tan Sheep

The study on 227 Chinese Tan sheep identified seven variants of the KRTAP20-1 gene, with variants A and G being the most common. Variant G was significantly associated with higher mean fibre curvature in fine wool fibres (p=0.017). No significant associations were found for other wool traits. The findings suggest that KRTAP20-1 gene variations can influence wool characteristics, particularly fibre curvature, which could be valuable for selective breeding programs to improve fine wool quality.