Genetic variation in skin traits in New Zealand lambs.

ABSTRACT:

Background

This study explored the genetic variability in the New Zealand sheep population for economically important skin traits. Skins were collected at slaughter from two progeny test flocks, resulting in 725 skins evaluated for grain strain, flatness, crust leather strength and overall suitability for shoe leather. DNA profiles collected from skins post-slaughter were matched to individual animals using previously collected high-density genotypes.

Results

Considerable phenotypic variation for skin traits was observed, with around 40% of the skins being identified as suitable for high-value shoe leather production. Several key traits associated with leather production, including flatness, tear strength, grain strength and grain strain were found to be moderate to highly h

SUBMITTER: McRae KM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9546359 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature