Identification of the Ovine Keratin-Associated Protein 26-1 Gene and Its Association with Variation in Wool Traits

The study identified the ovine Keratin-Associated Protein 26-1 (KRTAP26-1) gene and its variants in 383 Merino-Southdown cross sheep, revealing four variants (A-D). Variant B was associated with increased mean fiber diameter (MFD), mean fiber curvature, and prickle factor, while variant C was linked to increased wool yield and mean staple length, and decreased MFD, fiber diameter standard deviation, and prickle factor, suggesting higher wool quality. These findings indicated potential for breeding programs aimed at improving wool traits by selecting for specific KRTAP26-1 variants.