Identification of novel genes associated with litter size of indigenous sheep population in Xinjiang, China using specific-locus amplified fragment sequencing technology.

ABSTRACT:

Background

There are abundant sheep breed resources in the Xinjiang region of China attributing to its diverse ecological system, which include several high-litter size sheep populations. Previous studies have confirmed that the major high prolificacy gene cannot be used to detect high litter size. Our research team found a resource group in Pishan County, southern Xinjiang. It showed high fertility with an average litter size of two to four in one birth, excellent breast development, and a high survival rate of lambs. In the present study, we used this resource as an ideal sample for studying the genetic mechanisms of high prolificacy in sheep.

Methods

Indigenous sheep populations from Xinjiang, with different litter sizes, were selected for the research, and specific-locus

SUBMITTER: Ma H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6883954 | biostudies-literature | 2019

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature