Variation in the KAP6-1 gene in Chinese Tan sheep and associations with variation in wool traits

Abstract The keratin-associated protein KAP6-1 gene ( KRTAP6-1 ) was investigated for its effect on wool traits in Chinese Tan sheep. Two previously identified KRTAP6-1 variants ( A and B ) and two newly identified KRTAP6-1 variants ( D and E ) were detected with frequencies of 28.9%, 57.1%, 10.3% and 3.7% for A , B , D and E , respectively. The KRTAP6-1 variant C , was not found in the Chinese Tan sheep. Variant D was found to be associated with increased straightened fibre-length at birth, while variant E was found to be associated with increased straightened fibre-length, the number of crimps and the degree of crimping at approximately 35 days post-partum (conventionally called “Er-mao”). Variant E was also associated with increased wool fibre growth rate from birth to Er-mao. These results suggest that variation in ovine KRTAP6-1 may affect wool traits in early life in Chinese Tan sheep.