Comparative histomorphometric and transcriptomic analysis reveals potential genetic determinants of pelage variation between hairy and coarse-woolly sheep.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The unique pelage composition and developmental pattern endow hairy sheep with superior heat tolerance and minimized wool-shearing needs, compared with coarse-woolly sheep. However, the genetic mechanisms underlying pelage differentiation between these two sheep types remain incompletely understood to date, thereby limiting the development of molecular breeding strategies for cultivating climate-resilient and cost-effective sheep breeds in climate-changing era.

Results

Through integrated histomorphometric and transcriptomic analysis of Australian White Sheep (AWS, hairy phenotype) and Hu Sheep (HS, coarse-woolly phenotype), we identified three distinct evolutionarily conserved fiber types in AWS (heavily medullated kemp, medullated crimp hair, and non-medullated w

SUBMITTER: Liang Q 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12709724 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature