February 2026 in “Small Ruminant Research” This study on sheep coat type and fiber composition reveals that the IRF2BP2 gene, specifically the asEIF2S2 insertion and T7068586C SNP, plays a crucial role in determining fleece structure. Analyzing 692 ewes from various breeds, researchers found that the asEIF2S2 insertion is fixed in single-coated breeds and significantly influences fiber traits, increasing the non-medullated fiber ratio (NMFR) and decreasing hair fiber diameter (HFD). The T7068586C SNP, present in double-coated breeds, also affects NMFR and HFD. The optimal genotype combination, ++/CC, results in the highest NMFR and finest fibers, making it a valuable tool for improving fleece quality through marker-assisted selection. These findings provide new insights into the genetic basis of sheep fleece variation.
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October 2023 in “Animals” Certain DNA regions in alpacas are linked to fiber diameter.
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January 2023 in “Frontiers in genetics” Certain genetic markers linked to wool quality in Rambouillet sheep were identified, which can guide better breeding choices.
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November 2022 in “Animal Genetics” Genomic research can help improve the quality and production of natural fibers in animals.
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August 2017 in “Scientific reports” Researchers developed a cost-effective 66 K SNP chip for cashmere goats that is accurate and useful for genetic studies.