Genetics Underlying Phenotypic Diversity in South African Sheep Breeds

This study analyzed genetic diversity and morphological trait-associated genes in 897 sheep from 14 African breeds. It found the lowest genomic heterozygosity in Zulu sheep (0.308) and the highest in Merino sheep (0.352). Genetic analysis revealed clustering according to predefined populations. Key findings include the identification of genes related to coat color (ASIP, MC1R, TYRP1), horn development (HOXD1), hair cycle regulation (FGF5), and wool quality (DLX3). Additionally, genes associated with tail growth, such as PDGFD and BMP2, were identified in fat-tailed sheep. The study clarified phylogenetic relationships and confirmed the conservation of genomic areas linked to morphological traits in local sheep populations.