Identification of Ovine KRTAP28-1 and Its Association with Wool Fiber Diameter

The study identified a new high sulphur keratin-associated protein gene, KRTAP28-1, in sheep, which was absent in humans. Researchers discovered six variants of KRTAP28-1 with eight single nucleotide polymorphisms and a TG repeat polymorphism. The study involved 383 Southdown × Merino-cross lambs and found that certain genotypes of KRTAP28-1, specifically AB and BD, were associated with producing wool of a smaller mean fibre diameter compared to genotype BC. This suggested that KRTAP28-1 could be used as a genetic marker to reduce wool fibre diameter in sheep.