[Candidate gene analysis of high quality merino sheep]

Partial sequences of wool fiber constituent genes KAP1.1 and KAP1.3 and the exonic sequence of the KAP6.1 gene were chosen for polymerase chain reaction-single strand conformation polymorphism (PCR-SSCP) analysis to assess their ability as candidate genes during indirect selection for fine wool traits. Results show that locus W08667 in the genes (KAP1.1, KAP1.3) which code the high sulfur protein associated-protein of keratin associated-protein family is significantly correlated with fine wool quality (P < 0.05). Among the high-glycine-tyrosine keratin associated- protein, the AA and BB genotypes of W06933 are also significantly correlated with fine wool quality (P < 0.05).