Ovine KRTAP36-2: A New Keratin-Associated Protein Gene Related to Variation in Wool Yield

The study identified a new keratin-associated protein gene in sheep, KRTAP36-2, which is linked to variations in wool yield. Researchers screened 170 sheep and found four gene variants. In 274 Southdown × Merino lambs, the presence of variant A was associated with a decrease in wool yield, indicating that KRTAP36-2 affects the quantity of non-fibre wool components. The findings suggest that this gene could be targeted to enhance wool production, though further investigation is needed to understand the underlying mechanisms.