Sheep Genetics
Explore the diverse genetic traits of different sheep breeds and stay updated with the latest research findings.
Genome-wide association studies for milk traits in New Zealand dairy sheep
The New Zealand dairy sheep industry has expanded due to genetic and management improvements. This study aimed to identify genetic markers associated with milk traits in dairy sheep. Using data from commercial farms, we analyzed 54,698 milk yield records and 24,891 fat and protein records from 4,590 and 2,823 ewes, respectively. We found four significant genetic associations for milk yield, mapping to eight genes including PDZRN4, EDEM2, PROCR, MMP24, EIF6, FAM83C, UQCC1, and HDAC9. Notably, PDZRN4, HDAC9, and MMP24 have been linked to milk traits previously. No significant associations were found for fat and protein content. These genes are promising candidates for further study, pending validation in independent samples.