Identification of the Ovine Keratin-Associated Protein 21-1 Gene and Its Association with Variation in Wool Traits

The study identified the ovine keratin-associated protein 21-1 gene (KRTAP21-1) and its variants in 360 Merino × Southdown-cross lambs, finding that the AA genotype was associated with higher wool yield compared to the AC genotype. This gene, located on sheep chromosome 1 and similar to the human KRTAP21-1 gene, was expressed in sheep skin and suggested as a genetic marker for improving wool production by affecting yield without significantly altering greasy fleece weight.