Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 13, 2026

Instrumentation of Near-term Fetal Sheep for Multivariate Chronic Non-anesthetized Recordings
Published on: October 25, 2015
Genome-wide association analysis identifies the genetic basis of body size traits in Tan sheep (Ovis aries)
Wei Ding1, Yuwei Yang1, Xiaoming Ma1
1Institute of Animal Science, NingXia Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, No. 590 Huanghe East Road, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Yinchuan, 750002, China.
Background:
Tan sheep is a Chinese indigenous breed prized for dual-purpose production of premium pelts and flavorful mutton, featuring a distinctive fat-tailed phenotype. The genetic basis of its body conformation remains largely unexplored.
Results:
We conducted the first whole-genome sequencing-based genome-wide association study in 249 seven-month-old Tan sheep. Comprehensive population genetics analyses confirmed five distinct genetic clusters corresponding to the five sampling sources, supporting the cohort's suitability for the study. Using a mixed linear model, we identified 690 significant SNPs associated with eight traits: 10 for body weight, 2 for body length, 353 for body height, 105 for chest girth, 203 for tail length, 11 for tail circumference, and 6 for cannon circumference. Functional annotation revealed compelling candidate genes, including FBLN1 (weight/height), FGFBP1 (cannon circumference), and MAP3K20/FMNL3 (tail circumference).
Conclusions:
These findings illuminate the genetic architecture of growth and tail development in Tan sheep, providing a valuable genomic resource for molecular breeding strategies aimed at enhancing meat production while preserving superior pelt traits.
More Related Videos
08:27Large-Scale Multi-Omics Genome-Wide Association Studies (Mo-GWAS): Guidelines for Sample Preparation and Normalization
Published on: July 27, 2021
09:09Protocol for Assessing the Relative Effects of Environment and Genetics on Antler and Body Growth for a Long-lived Cervid
Published on: August 8, 2017
Related Concept Videos
Genome-wide Association Studies-GWAS
GWAS does not require the identification of the target gene involved in...
Polygenic Traits
Polygenic Traits
Incomplete Dominance
Background and Environment Affect Phenotype
An example of how genetic background affects phenotype can be seen in horses. The Extension gene in horses is responsible for their coat color. A wild-type gene (EE) produces black pigment in the coat, while a mutant gene (ee) produces red pigment. A...
Epistasis