Ovine KRT81 Variants and Their Influence on Selected Wool Traits of Commercial Value

May 2024 in “ Genes ”

Wenhao Li, Lingrong Bai, Huitong Zhou, Zhihe Zhang, Zhijie Ma, Guofang Wu, Yuzhu Luo, Jasmine Tanner, Jon G. H. Hickford

Studysummary Among Merino × Southdown cross sheep, this study found that certain variants of the KRT81 gene were associated with differences in fleece weight, but not with staple length or fibre diameter traits.

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This study examined the impact of genetic variation in the KRT81 gene on wool traits in 389 Merino × Southdown cross sheep. Three sequence variants (A, B, and C) were identified, with variant C linked to increased greasy and clean fleece weights, while variant B was associated with decreased clean fleece weight. The study found no significant effects on staple length or mean-fibre-diameter-related traits, suggesting that KRT81 influences wool growth by affecting wool follicle density or the skin area producing fibre. These findings could inform breeding programs to enhance wool quality.

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