Identification of the Ovine Keratin-Associated Protein 21-1 Gene and Its Association with Variation in Wool Traits

In this study, researchers identified an ovine KAP gene, closely related to the human KAP21-1 gene, and named it KRTAP21-1. They found four variants (A to D) of this gene in 360 Merino × Southdown-cross lambs, with three sequence variations among them. Six genotypes were identified, with AA and AC being the most common. Wool from AA genotype sheep had a higher yield compared to AC genotype sheep (p = 0.014), although AA sheep tended to have a lower greasy fleece weight (GFW) than AC sheep (p = 0.078). These findings suggested that KRTAP21-1 variation influenced wool yield and could be used as a genetic marker for improving wool production.