Fleece Weight Research Articles

Effects of age and body region on wool characteristics of Merino sheep crossbreds in Turkey

Aim of this study was to comparatively investigate the wool characteristics of Central Anatolian Merino, Karacabey Merino and Ramlıç sheep, which are common crossbred sheep breeds in Turkey. A total of 360 wool samples were equally collected from the shoulder, rib, and rump of each lamb (3-6 months-age), yearlings (1-1.5-year age), primiparous ewes (2-2.5-year age) and multiparous ewes (3-3.5-year age) were used for analysis. Each sample was analyzed to determine fibre diameter, length, clean fleece yield, elasticity, and strength. Also, live weight after shearing and greasy fleece weights were recorded for each animal. Statistical analysis of this study was performed using SPSS software. Normality hypothesis tested using the Shapiro-Wilk test. Homogeneity of the variance for each trait was tested with the Levene's test. Descriptive statistics of the traits were given as mean ± standard error. Observed means for greasy fleece weight were 3.6 ± 0.09 kg, 2.5 ± 0.09 kg, and 2.2 ± 0.08 kg for Karacabey Merino, Central Anatolian Merino and Ramlıç sheep, respectively. Average diameter, length, clean fleece yield, elasticity, and strength measurements of Karacabey Merino were 23.9 ± 0.11 μ, 59.2 ± 0.64 mm, 56.2 ± 0.35%, 20.2 ± 0.23 cN / tex, and 12.6 ± 0.09 cN / tex, whereas 24.7 ± 0.12 μ, 50.6 ± 0.71 mm, 55.2 ± 0.60%, 21.6 ± 0.23 cN / tex, 13.8 ± 0.14 cN / tex in Central Anatolian Merino and 24.1 ± 0.12 μ, 53.2 ± 1.05 mm, 62.9 ± 0.53%, 22.3 ± 0.26 cN / tex, 13.4 ± 0.12 cN / tex were observed in Ramlıç sheep, respectively. This study suggests that observed wool characteristics for each of three crossbreds were within the standard range of the textile industry. Therefore, all three crossbreds were suggested to be considered for the development of new agricultural policies and increasing breeder?s awareness to reintroduce these crossbreds in the textile industry.

Molecular genetics of wool fibre structure in sheep

Abstract Methods for mapping quantitative trait loci (QTL) are actively used in the sheep to identify chromosomal regions contributing to variation in wool traits. Therefore, this paper summarises and integrates QTL studies in the sheep to identify basic information on the genetic architecture of quantitative traits relating to wool’s important traits from viewpoint of the textile industry. The number of traits, number of QTL/associations and number of related chromosomes for categories of “Fibre” and “Fleece” were 6, 78 and 18, and 5, 97 and 23, respectively. QTL list and associated single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and genes relating to fibre curvature, fibre diameter coefficient of variance, fibre diameter standard deviation, mean fibres diameter, primary fibre diameter and primary fibre diameter coefficient of variance, fleece yield, greasy fleece weight, staple length, staple strength and wool crimp are presented. This information can be helpful in identifying genes or SNPs underlying the QTL and in the application of molecular genetic information in marker-assisted breeding programs. There is complexity in identifying relationships between wool genes. Part of this complexity in the relationships between wool traits is probably related to the pleiotropic phenomenon. In general, some researchers have found markers that have not been confirmed in other published papers. False positives and false negatives in the statistical methods used can be the reason for the differences in the distinguished genes for the desired traits of wool.

Least Square Analysis of Variance for the Assessment of Natural Consequences for Birth Weight, Weaning Weight, Yearling Weight, Pre-weaning Daily Weight Acquire, and Greasy Fleece Weight of Kajli Sheep in Pakistan

The current study was completed to analyze the effect of natural components on various improvement affecting traits of Kajli sheep in Pakistan. For this reason, we apply two huge contemporary datasets in sheep to explore factors that influence the traits. Therefore, the generation information record of 13715 Kajli sheep lambing accumulated from 1994 to 2010 at Livestock Experimental Stations Khushab and Khizarabad, Punjab. Information records were genuinely analyzed through utilizing PC modified Mixed Model Harvey’s Least Squares and Maximum Likelihood. The two farms information data was analyzed by utilizing an animal model program. The factual model was incorporated to evaluate the Birth Weight (BW), 120 days at Weaning Weight (WW), Pre-Weaning Average Daily Gain (PRADG), Yearling Weight (YW) and Greasy Fleece Weight (GFW). Year of Birth (YOB), Birth Season (BS), Birth Types (BT) and sex was the fix effect in the model. Results indicated that, the overall general values for birth weight, weaning weight, yearling weight, pre-weaning weight and fleece weight were noted. Year of birth, type of birth, sex, and herd was influenced altogether significantly while, birth weight and greasy fleece weight, the period of birth showed no essential difference. In weaning weight and pre-weaning increment normally, year of birth, sort of birth and herd showed a critical contact except for sex. Male sheep were heavier than female sheep and single conceived sheep were also basically heavier than twins were during offspring birth. Results emulate that the Kajli sheep breed can be improved on through selection and further developed management. The cascade type of influence of the current investigation has levelheaded ramification not just for sheep farming by and by just as for intensified associate of boundaries which definitely convince deviation of weight, weight has become itself essential forecaster of in a matter of seconds wellness results. These outcomes displayed there are complex associations among hereditary qualities and ecological elements of parental, placental and fetal beginning. These are profoundly affected traits by maternal sustenance, genes, be concerned, the executive, environment, occasional diversity of seasons.

Productive and reproductive consequences of crossbreeding Dohne Merino with Corriedale in Uruguayan sheep production systems

Context For extensive production systems, crossbreeding may be a tool that can be used to achieve production of quality wool and meat to suit market specifications. Aims To evaluate two levels of crossbreeding of Dohne Merino (DM) sires with Corriedale (C) ewes on productive and reproductive traits of the crossbreed progeny in comparison with purebred C progeny. Methods Two studies using three genotypes – 100% C (100C), 50% DM × 50% C (50DM) and 75% DM × 25% C (75DM) – were carried out. In Study 1, growth, wool production and nematode resistance were evaluated (n = 1652). In wethers, carcass weight, subcutaneous tissue thickness, weight of high value cuts, meat shear force and fresh meat colour were also evaluated. Before first mating, the presence and number of corpus luteum was recorded to evaluate puberty and ovulation rate, respectively, in 380 18-month-old hoggets. In Study 2, fertility, prolificacy and lambing percentages were measured in 382 ewes. Key results Increasing the percentage of DM was associated with heavier animals (P < 0.01). The heaviest fleece weight, broadest fibre diameter and longest staple length were recorded in 100C, and the lowest in 75DM (P < 0.001). Crossbred animals had heavier carcasses, boneless legs and French racks than 100C (P < 0.001). Subcutaneous tissue thickness GR adjusted for carcass weight was thicker in 100C, intermediate in 50DM and lowest in 75DM (P < 0.001). Meat quality and nematode resistance traits were not affected by crossbreeding. Genotype affected the proportion of hoggets cyclic at first mating (P < 0.05), being greater in 50DM than in C hoggets, although both proportions were similar to 75DM. Fertility was not affected (P > 0.05) by genotype, whereas prolificacy and lambing percentage were greater in the animals of the 50DM vs 100C and 75DM (P < 0.05). Conclusions Wool quality, animal growth, carcass weight and composition, and onset of puberty were improved by crossbreeding C ewes with DM sires. A reduction in wool production, and minor influences on prolificacy and lambing percentage were detected. Implications Crossbreeding C ewes with DM sires can benefit wool and meat production in comparison with purebred C production systems.

Relationship between skin structure and wool traits for Ultrafine and Dohne Merino sheep of Uruguay

The demand in the world market for high quality fine and superfine wool is increasing, responding to greater wool textile industry demands and price incentives. There are few research studies focused on hair follicle population in fine and superfine Merino sheep in Uruguay. This study evaluates the association between wool follicle population and the most relevant economical wool traits. This work was carried out on Ultrafine Australian Merino (UAM) and Dohne Merino (DM) animals (lambs and rams). Phenotypic correlations between the secondary/primary follicles (S/P) and other wool traits (fiber diameter, staple length, clean fleece weight, scoured yield, coefficient of variation of fiber diameter and comfort factor parameter, were performed using histological skin cuts. Two skin samples were extracted from each lamb at two and nine months of age. These were processed at the skin histology laboratory to obtain a histological preparation for further biopsy, being able to differentiate the structures obtained to be evaluated. The results showed in the UAM group, S/P ratio in nine-month-old lambs was greater than two-month-old lambs (31.08 vs 23.12 P< 0.05). For DM group, there were no differences in the S/P ratio between age groups. Phenotypic correlations for wool characteristics obtained were of low to medium or null magnitude in both genotypes.

PSXII-11 Parameters for yearling wool production, wool quality and liveweight traits in mutton-wool breed of sheep with a different kinship ratio

Abstract This study aimed to determine the effect of crossbreeding on wool production for sheep of different kinship ratios. Purebred (Volgograd) and crossbred (F3, Volgograd x ¼ North Caucasian) sheep were used. The birth liveweights (n = 100) of tups were similar (3.71 kg and 3.69 kg) whereas crossbred ewes were heavier than purebreds (3.45 kg vs 3.3 kg). At 2.5 months (n = 97), crossbred tups outweighed purebreds by 6.94% (22.17 kg and 20.73 kg (p ≤ 0.05); ewes’ liveweights were similar (19.98 kg and 19.88 kg). Crossbred tups’ weaning weights (n = 70) exceeded purebred tups by 20.85% (32.33 kg and 26.75kg, (p ≤ 0.01); crossbred ewes outweighed purebreds by 7.38% (27.20 kg and 25.33 kg). Crossbred tup yearlings (n = 67) outweighed purebreds (52.10 and 48.90 kg) (P ≤ 0.01) whereas ewe yearlings were similar (37.30 kg vs. 36.70 kg). However, fleece weights (n = 30) of crossbred tups were heavier than of purebreds. Greasy fleece weight of crossbred tups was 6.72 kg and 6.14 kg (P ≤ 0.05). Clean fleece weight of crossbred tups outweighed purebred by 13.73% (3.56 kg and 3.13 kg, P ≤ 0.05). Greasy fleece weight of crossbred ewes was 3.95 kg and 3.57 kg (P ≤ 0.05). Clean fleece weight of crossbred tups outweighed purebred by 15.34% (2.18 kg and 1.89 kg, P ≤ 0.05). Wool yield of crossbred and purebred tups were 53 and 51%, ewes were 55 and 53%. Staple lengths of crossbred and purebred tups were 12.53 cm and 10.51 cm (P ≤ 0.001), crossbred and purebred ewes were 11.48 cm and 9.56 cm (P ≤ 0.01). This study indicates there was no negative effect of an admixture of new blood of North Caucasian breed on wool productivity of F3. These results can help improve meat and wool production.

Fibre Characteristics of Huacaya Alpaca in Peru

Background: The fibre characteristics of fleece weight (FW), mean fibre diameter (MFD), coefficient of variation of mean fibre diameter (CVMFD) and common phenotypic correlations between them of Huacaya alpacas (Vicugna pacos) breed, were estimated on 959 one-year-old animals, under extensive rangeland management conditions. Methods: Samples were taken between 2005 and 2018 (male and female), of two coat colors (white and brown), at the Toccra CEDAT-DESCO Alpaca Development Center (Arequipa, Perú). Model were developed an they included year, sex and coat color and their interactions with FW, MDF and CVMDF of alpaca’s fibre under the experimental design was completely randomized with a factorial arrangement of 12×2×2. Result: Statistical significant effect was for year of birth × sex interaction when FW was analyzed while year of birth × color interaction explained MFD and CVMFD variation (p less than .001). Phenotypic correlation calculated by Pearson’s coefficient showed that FW was positively correlated with MFD (0.24) while CVMFD was positively correlated with MFD (0.10). Results from this study indicated that the FW was influenced by both year of birth and sex, while MFD and CVMFD were influenced by both year of birth and color. Overall, it was concluded that a genetic progress can be achieved in the huacaya alpaca breed of CEDAT genetic improvement program.

The estimation of (co)variance components and genetic parameters for growth and wool traits in Harnali sheep

The present study was undertaken to estimate (co)variance components and genetic parameters of important growth and wool traits in Harnali sheep using data records of 1862 lambs born to 144 sires and 591 dams for the period from 1998 to 2018. Six univariate animal models including or ignoring maternal genetic and permanent environmental effects were fitted to birth weight (BWT), weaning weight (WWT), 6 months weight (6WT), 12 months weight (YWT), first clip greasy fleece weight (FGFW) and annual greasy fleece weight (AGFW) and further compared using likelihood ratio test. It was observed that the model including direct additive genetic and maternal additive genetic effect without taking covariance between them into account was the most suitable for BWT and WWT. For remaining traits, only direct additive genetic effect model was found to be most appropriate. The estimates of heritability under the best model for BWT, WWT, 6WT, YWT, FGFW and AGFW were 0.23, 0.10, 0.18, 0.11, 0.08 and 0.31, respectively. The maternal influence accounted for 8 % of variation for BWT and WWT which indicated importance of maternal effect during preweaning period. The genetic and phenotypic correlations of 6WT with other traits were positive and ranged medium to moderate. Therefore, it was concluded that medium genetic variability of 6WT and its potential ability for improving other traits should be exploited to achieve genetic improvement in Harnali sheep.

QTLs detection for mohair traits in Iranian Angora goats (Markhoz goats)

In Iran, approximately 70 % of goats are bred for meat and wool. Markhoz goat is one of the most important goat breeds reared in Kurdistan and Kermanshah regions for Angora - mohair production. Previous research has introduced several QTLs affecting mohair traits in Angora goats; this study aimed to confirm QTLs controlling mohair traits on chromosomes 1, 2, 5, 13, 19, and 24. For this purpose, eight bucks with an average of 32 offspring were taken into consideration. The studied traits included fleece weight, average fiber diameter, staple length, and fine, medullated, kemp fiber percentage. Thirty microsatellite markers on chromosomes 1, 2, 5, 13, 19, and 24 were used for genotyping. Microsatellite markers were selected according to previous studies and goat genetic map, based on their distance on the chromosome. The least-squares regression method was used to locate QTLs. Five QTLs significant affecting mohair traits: two of them related to mohair weight traits; one QTL was significant for fiber features and quality, in particular for fiber diameter, staple length and kemp fiber. Two of them are reported for the first time in chromosomes 1 and 2 for kemp fiber and fleece weight traits respectively.

Productivity and Reproductive Performance of Mixed-Age Ewes across 20 Years of Selection for Ultrafine Wool in Uruguay

This study reports the phenotypic trends for wool, growth, and reproductive traits in mixed-age ewes after twenty years of genetic selection. Data were obtained from the Merino nucleus flock in Uruguay between 1999 and 2020. Overall, the aim of this selection flock was to reduce the fiber diameter (FD) and increase both the clean fleece weight (CFW) and live weight (LW). Data on ewe wool traits, LW, body condition score (BCS), the total number of lambs weaned (TLW), and the total LW of lambs weaned (TWW) across all lambing opportunities (1–8 mating seasons) were analyzed. Between 1292 and 2063 ewes were measured, depending on the trait considered. Ewe FD decreased by approximately 3 µm (19–16 µm), whereas greasy fleece weight (GFW) increased by 0.2 kg. This improvement in wool traits was accompanied by increases in LW at mating (3 kg), decreases in BCS at mating (approximately by 1 unit), and a small positive change in TWW across years. This study demonstrated that increasing farmer income by selecting for finer wool, heavier fleeces, and heavier animals can be obtained without compromising ewe lifetime reproduction.

Predicting ewe body condition score using adjusted liveweight for conceptus and fleece weight, height at withers, and previous body condition score record.

The relationship between ewe body condition score (BCS) and liveweight (LW) has been exploited previously to predict the former from LW, LW-change, and previous BCS records. It was hypothesized that if fleece weight and conceptus-free liveweight and LW-change, and in addition, height at withers were used, the accuracy of current approaches to predicting BCS would be enhanced. Ewes born in 2017 (n = 429) were followed from 8 mo to approximately 42 mo of age in New Zealand. Individual ewe data were collected on LW and BCS at different stages of the annual production cycle (i.e., prebreeding, at pregnancy diagnosis, prelambing, and weaning). Additionally, individual lambing dates, ewe fleece weight, and height at withers data were collected. Linear regression models were fitted to predict current BCS at each ewe age and stage of the annual production cycle using two LW-based models, namely, unadjusted for conceptus weight and fleece weight (LW alone1) and adjusted (LW alone2) models. Furthermore, another two models based on a combination of LW, LW-change, previous BCS, and height at withers (combined models), namely, unadjusted (combined1) and adjusted for conceptus and fleece weight (combined2), were fitted. Combined models gave more accurate (with lower root mean square error: RMSE) BCS predictions than models based on LW records alone. However, applying adjusted models did not improve BCS prediction accuracy (or reduce RMSE) or improve model goodness of fit (R2) (P > 0.05). Furthermore, in all models, both LW-alone and combined models, a great proportion of variability in BCS, could not be accounted for (0.25 ≥ R2 ≥ 0.83) and there was substantial prediction error (0.33 BCS ≥ RMSE ≥ 0.49 BCS) across age groups and stages of the annual production cycle and over time (years). Therefore, using additional ewe data which allowed for the correction of LW for fleece and conceptus weight and using height at withers as an additional predictor did not improve model accuracy. In fact, the findings suggest that adjusting LW data for conceptus and fleece weight offer no additional value to the BCS prediction models based on LW. Therefore, additional research to identify alternative methodologies to account for individual animal variability is still needed.

Integration of a single-step genome-wide association study with a multi-tissue transcriptome analysis provides novel insights into the genetic basis of wool and weight traits in sheep

BackgroundGenetic improvement of wool and growth traits is a major goal in the sheep industry, but their underlying genetic architecture remains elusive. To improve our understanding of these mechanisms, we conducted a weighted single-step genome-wide association study (WssGWAS) and then integrated the results with large-scale transcriptome data for five wool traits and one growth trait in Merino sheep: mean fibre diameter (MFD), coefficient of variation of the fibre diameter (CVFD), crimp number (CN), mean staple length (MSL), greasy fleece weight (GFW), and live weight (LW).ResultsOur dataset comprised 7135 individuals with phenotype data, among which 1217 had high-density (HD) genotype data (n = 372,534). The genotypes of 707 of these animals were imputed from the Illumina Ovine single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) 54 BeadChip to the HD Array. The heritability of these traits ranged from 0.05 (CVFD) to 0.36 (MFD), and between-trait genetic correlations ranged from − 0.44 (CN vs. LW) to 0.77 (GFW vs. LW). By integrating the GWAS signals with RNA-seq data from 500 samples (representing 87 tissue types from 16 animals), we detected tissues that were relevant to each of the six traits, e.g. liver, muscle and the gastrointestinal (GI) tract were the most relevant tissues for LW, and leukocytes and macrophages were the most relevant cells for CN. For the six traits, 54 quantitative trait loci (QTL) were identified covering 81 candidate genes on 21 ovine autosomes. Multiple candidate genes showed strong tissue-specific expression, e.g. BNC1 (associated with MFD) and CHRNB1 (LW) were specifically expressed in skin and muscle, respectively. By conducting phenome-wide association studies (PheWAS) in humans, we found that orthologues of several of these candidate genes were significantly (FDR < 0.05) associated with similar traits in humans, e.g. BNC1 was significantly associated with MFD in sheep and with hair colour in humans, and CHRNB1 was significantly associated with LW in sheep and with body mass index in humans.ConclusionsOur findings provide novel insights into the biological and genetic mechanisms underlying wool and growth traits, and thus will contribute to the genetic improvement and gene mapping of complex traits in sheep.

Variation in a Newly Identified Caprine KRTAP Gene Is Associated with Raw Cashmere Fiber Weight in Longdong Cashmere Goats.

Keratin-associated proteins (KAPs) and keratins determine the physical and chemical properties of cashmere fibers as they are the main components of the fibers. It has been reported that ovine KRTAP1-2 affects clean fleece weight, greasy fleece weight and yield in sheep, but the gene has not been described in goats and its effects on fiber traits are unknown. In this study, we identify the keratin-associated protein 1-2 gene (KRTAP1-2) in the goat genome and describe its effect on cashmere fiber traits in 359 Longdong cashmere goats. Six sequence variants (named CAPHI-KRTAP1-2*A to CAPHI-KRTAP1-2*F) were revealed using polymerase chain reaction-single strand conformation polymorphism (PCR-SSCP) analysis. These sequences have the highest homology with ovine KRTAP1-2 sequences. There were a 60-bp deletion, a 15-bp insertion and five single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) including two non-synonymous SNPs in the coding sequence. The caprine KRTAP1-2 gene was expressed in the skin tissue, but a signal was not observed for the kidneys, liver, lungs, spleen, heart and longissimus dorsi muscle. Variation in caprine KRTAP1-2 was found to be associated with raw cashmere fiber weight, but not with fiber diameter and length.

Wool production in Dohne Merino, Dormer, Merino and South African Mutton Merino lambs

In this study, the wool growth of Dohne Merino, Dormer, Merino and South African Mutton Merino (SAMM) lambs reared on a feedlot diet (10.62 MJ ME/ kg feed, 20.7% crude protein) was monitored from about two months old until the lambs were shorn as yearlings. The 100 cm2 patches on the left sides of the lambs were sheared monthly and the clippings were weighed to determine the wool growth rate. At approximately one year old, the lambs were shorn and the fleeces were weighed. A mid rib fleece sample was also retrieved from each lamb for quality analysis. Merino lambs presented the highest wool growth rates (12.943 g/day) and fleece weights (6.140 kg), whereas Dormer lambs exhibited the lowest values for these traits (8.487 g/day and 3.330 kg, respectively (P &lt;0.05)). The lack of differences between Dohne Merino (9.720 g/day and 4.671 kg) and SAMM (10.553 g/day and 4.158 kg) lambs for these wool growth rate and fleece weight traits was attributed to disparities in live weight (86.8 kg and 105.2 kg, respectively (P &lt;0.05), with heavier SAMM lambs offsetting the expected variations in fleece weight. Wool from Dohne Merino and Merino sheep had the finest fibre diameters (&lt;21 μm), followed by SAMM wool (22–23 μm), with Dormers producing coarse wool (&gt;27 μm). These results could be used as guidelines in sheep production to predict the income contribution of wool from these breeds.

Estimation of (Co)Variance components and genetic parameters of fibre traits in Rambouillet sheep using multi-trait analysis.

The present study aimed to estimate the genetic parameters of different fibre traits, viz., greasy fleece weight, staple length, and fibre diameter in Rambouillet sheep population using a multi-trait animal model. Data, spanning over 10 years (1998-2007) and pertaining to fibre traits at first clip, were collected for a total of 4186 Rambouillet sheep maintained at an organized farm. (Co)Variance structure and genetic parameters were estimated using a multi-trait animal model. The genetic analysis of data was performed based on restricted maximum likelihood (REML) procedure using WOMBAT software. The model incorporated sex of lamb (i = 1, 2), year of birth (j = 1-10), season of birth (k = 1-2), and litter size (l = 1-2) as fixed effects while direct additive genetic and maternal genetic effects were included as random effects. The direct additive genetic heritability estimates were 0.120±0.034, 0.136±0.037, and 0.356±0.070 for greasy fleece weight, staple length, and fibre diameter, respectively. The maternal genetic heritability of all fibre traits under study was very low. Additive genetic correlation was positive and low between greasy fleece weight and staple length; and between staple length and fibre diameter. In conclusion, fibre diameter was moderately heritable which implies that selection may lead to moderate improvement in this trait. The results from the present study will help in formulating optimal breeding plans for improvement of fibre traits in Rambouillet sheep.

Phenotypic Responses to Selection for Ultrafine Wool in Uruguayan Yearling Lambs

This study evaluated the phenotypic trends for wool and growth traits of the fine Merino genetic nucleus in Uruguay. Data were collected from one-year-old lambs over a twenty-year period (1999–2018). The overall aim of the selection flock was to reduce fiber diameter with concomitant increases in fleece and live weights. Traits analyzed included fiber diameter (FD), greasy fleece weight (GFW), coefficient of variation of FD (CVfd), staple length (SL), scoured yield (SY), live weight post-shearing (LW), eye muscle area (EMA) and fat thickness (FAT). Data from approximately 5300 one-year-old male and female lambs were analyzed. During the study period, FD decreased by approximately 3 µm, whereas GFW and LW increased by at least 0.5 and 3.0 kg, respectively. There were interactions between the sex of the individual and the year for all wool traits. Except for FAT, all other traits were affected by the dam age. This study indicates that the selection program applied in the fine Merino genetic nucleus over a twenty-year period resulted in reductions in FD and increases in GFW and LW. Therefore, the results indicate it is possible to produce ultrafine wool in semi-extensive grazing systems without compromising other economically relevant traits in one-year-old lambs.

Genome-wide association studies detects candidate genes for wool traits by re-sequencing in Chinese fine-wool sheep

BackgroundThe quality and yield of wool determine the economic value of the fine-wool sheep. Therefore, discovering markers or genes relevant to wool traits is the cornerstone for the breeding of fine-wool sheep. In this study, we used the Illumina HiSeq X Ten platform to re-sequence 460 sheep belonging to four different fine-wool sheep breeds, namely, Alpine Merino sheep (AMS), Chinese Merino sheep (CMS), Aohan fine-wool sheep (AHS) and Qinghai fine-wool sheep (QHS). Eight wool traits, including fiber diameter (FD), fiber diameter coefficient of variance (FDCV), fiber diameter standard deviation (FDSD), staple length (SL), greasy fleece weight (GFW), clean wool rate (CWR), staple strength (SS) and staple elongation (SE) were examined. A genome-wide association study (GWAS) was performed to detect the candidate genes for the eight wool traits.ResultsA total of 8.222 Tb of raw data was generated, with an average of approximately 8.59X sequencing depth. After quality control, 12,561,225 SNPs were available for analysis. And a total of 57 genome-wide significant SNPs and 30 candidate genes were detected for the desired wool traits. Among them, 7 SNPs and 6 genes are related to wool fineness indicators (FD, FDCV and FDSD), 10 SNPs and 7 genes are related to staple length, 13 SNPs and 7 genes are related to wool production indicators (GFW and CWR), 27 SNPs and 10 genes associated with staple elongation. Among these candidate genes, UBE2E3 and RHPN2 associated with fiber diameter, were found to play an important role in keratinocyte differentiation and cell proliferation. Gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment results, revealed that multitude significant pathways are related to keratin and cell proliferation and differentiation, such as positive regulation of canonical Wnt signaling pathway (GO:0090263).ConclusionThis is the first GWAS on the wool traits by using re-sequencing data in Chinese fine-wool sheep. The newly detected significant SNPs in this study can be used in genome-selective breeding for the fine-wool sheep. And the new candidate genes would provide a good theoretical basis for the fine-wool sheep breeding.

Fertility, Live Weight, Survival Rate, Greasy Fleece Weight, and Quality Traits of Angora Goats in Turkey

The aim of this study was to investigate the fertility, live weight, survival rate, greasy fleece weight, and quality traits of Angora goat herds in an animal breeding program in Turkey. The animals utilized in the study were from a public breeding project conducted by the General Directorate of Agricultural Research and Policy in the Ankara Province, specifically, on 25,917 goats in the Ayaş, Beypazarı, Güdül, Kızılcahamam, Nallıhan, and Polatlı districts of the Ankara Province in 2018. The average birth rate in the goats and the number of kids during birth were 87.5 % and 1.05 %, respectively. The 90th day survival rate was 78.48 % for the kids. The birth weight for the male kids was 2.45 ± 0.057 kg, and the average birth weight was 2.32 ± 0.055 kg for the female kids. Also, the birth weight on the 90th day of the experiment were 12.37 ± 3.33 kg and 10.94 ± 4.79 kg for the males and female kids, respectively. The greasy fleece weight of the Angora Goats in the Ayaş, Beypazarı, Güdül, Kızılcahamam, Nallıhan, and Polatlı districts were measured as 1.77 ± 0.62, 1.64 ± 0.83, 1.73 ± 0.57 2.06 ± 0.84, 1.78 ± 0.55, and 2.00 ± 0.58 kg, respectively. Moreover, the fiber diameter of these goats were 33.53 ± 4.95, 31.68 ± 4.50, 33.12 ± 5.18, 31.25 ± 4.11, 31.99 ± 4.50, and 32.39 ± 4.17 μ for the same districts, respectively. In the study, it was determined that the district, mother’s age, birth type, and sex affected kid birth weight (p < 0.001). While the district and age had a significant effect on the goat’s greasy fleece weight, the district, age, and greasy fleece weight significantly influenced the fiber diameter (p < 0.001). The 90th day body weight was affected by the district, mother’s age, type of birth, and sex. In line with these data, it can be concluded that the utilization of the fleece, fiber diameter, and birth weight as parameters can provide favorable results in the establishment of a breeding value index to improve the goat flocks.

Growth, body composition and body wrinkle are favourably correlated with reproductive performance in 2-8-year-old Merino sheep

Context Despite the increased economic importance of reproductive rate in Australian Merinos, there have been low genetic improvements in reproductive performance over the past several decades. Genetically improving reproductive traits through direct selection is restricted by low heritability, low selection intensity directly on reproductive traits, high recording costs and lack of accurate maternal pedigrees in the majority of industry breeding programs. However, indirect selection via correlated traits may be useful as a supplement to direct selection or even on its own where reproduction records are not collected. Aims The aims of the present study were to determine whether various production and quality traits have the potential to be used as indirect selection criteria for genetically improving lifetime reproductive rate, but also whether their selection could be detrimental to reproduction via unfavourable correlations. Methods Reproductive traits studied included pregnancy rate (ewes scanned pregnant per ewe joined), fetal number (number of fetuses scanned per ewe joined), number of lambs born (per ewe joined), number of lambs weaned (per ewe joined) and ewe rearing ability (number of lambs weaned per fetuses scanned). Using data from the SA Selection Demonstration Flocks project (1997–2005), reproductive traits were modelled against various visual and production traits to estimate correlations. Key results Favourable genetic correlations with reproductive traits were estimated with adult ewe bodyweight (0.37–0.50), hogget eye muscle depth (HEMD, 0.40–0.57), fat depth (HFAT, 0.27–0.48) and hogget body (HBWS) and neck wrinkle scores (–0.13 to –0.50). However, the estimates for genetic correlations with hogget eye muscle depth and fat depth were lower when bodyweight was fitted as a covariate, being 0.11–0.35 and 0.17–0.32 respectively. Genetic correlations with ewe rearing ability were generally unfavourable (except those with hogget body and neck wrinkle scores, which were –0.24 and –0.15 respectively), but were either negligible (adult ewe bodyweight, hogget eye muscle depth, fibre diameter and fleece weight) or low in magnitude(fat depth). Unfavourable genetic correlations were observed between fibre diameter and reproductive traits (0.13–0.33). Fleece weight had negligible genetic correlations with all reproductive traits studied (–0.08 to 0.10). Predictions of response to index selection using indirect criteria of one or more of yearling weight, HBWS, HEMD and HFAT measurements projected substantial genetic gains in the number of lambs weaned per ewe joined (NLW). Without reproduction records on the dams of candidates for selection, indirect selection using all four indirect criteria (yearling weight, HBWS, HEMD and HFAT) was predicted to achieve 112–168% of the genetic gains of direct selection for NLW. When all indirect and direct criteria for NLW are combined as part of index selection, even larger gains for NLW are predicted (from 164–215% of direct NLW genetic gains). Conclusions Findings from the present study suggest that bodyweight, HEMD and HFAT and HBWS could be potentially beneficial as indirect selection criteria for lifetime reproductive rate. Selection for reduced fibre diameter is potentially detrimental to reproductive performance; however, selection for improved fleece weight is unlikely to have any effect on genetic gain for reproductive traits. Implications Use of indirect selection for lifetime reproductive could allow for genetic gain when either used with or without the direct selection criteria of reproduction records.

Utilising dual-purpose crops in an Australian high-rainfall livestock production system to increase meat and wool production. 2. Production from breeding-ewe flocks

Context The use of dual-purpose crops (for grazing and grain) has increased in the high-rainfall zone in southern Australia. Aim A systems experiment examined the impact on livestock production and supplementary feeding when dual-purpose crops were incorporated into a production system based on Merino ewes producing yearling lambs for sale. Methods The experimental site near Canberra, ACT, was subdivided into nine experimental units (‘farmlets’) with three replicate farmlets for each of three production-system treatments. Each farmlet was managed as a self-contained unit with six Merino ewes and their progeny during 2013–16 (4 years). Ewes were joined in February, lambed in July and shorn in spring; the original cohort of ewes (born 2009) was replaced by a new cohort (born 2012) at the midpoint of the experiment. Six weaners were retained after weaning in each farmlet and sold as yearlings. Control farmlets were sown to pasture based on phalaris (Phalaris aquatica L.) and subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum L.) and comprised sub-paddocks to allow rotational grazing. Farmlets in treatments that included dual-purpose crops comprised six sub-paddocks (0.231 ha), with two sown to permanent pasture, and four supporting a rotation of pasture–pasture–dual-purpose canola (Brassica napus L.)–dual-purpose wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). In one of the crop–pasture production system treatments, crop-grazing was prioritised for ewes (ECG treatment); in the other, crop-grazing was prioritised for their progeny weaners (WCG treatment). Key results Greasy fleece weight from ECG (5.3 kg) and WCG (5.1 kg) ewes was higher (P &lt; 0.001) than from control ewes (4.7 kg) averaged over the 4 years. The final sale weight of yearling weaners from the WCG system (44.3 kg) was higher (P &lt; 0.001) than from the control (39.2 kg) or ECG (39.1 kg) systems when averaged over the 4 years. The benefit was predominantly due to greater weight gain during the period when weaners grazed the crop during late autumn and winter. Sale weight of lamb per hectare was higher (P = 0.003) in the WCG treatment (216 kg) compared with the ECG treatment (186 kg) when averaged over the 4 years of the experiment but did not differ (P &gt; 0.05) to the control (201 kg). Meat production over the 4 years was higher (P &lt; 0.001) in the WCG system (226 kg/ha) than other treatments when weight gain from wethers in 2014 was included. The impact of including dual-purpose crops on supplementary feeding was variable and depended on seasonal conditions. Conclusions Incorporation of dual-purpose crops into the high-rainfall production system can increase meat and wool production, with the highest meat production being obtained when crop grazing was prioritised for young carry-over livestock. Implications Prioritising dual-purpose crops for young growing livestock can increase meat production from the system while allowing other livestock classes (wethers or ewes) to graze the crops in better seasons when there was excess forage that would otherwise have been under-utilised.