Variation in Ovine KRTAP13-3 and Its Association with Wool Characteristics in Chinese Tan Sheep

This study on Chinese Tan sheep examined the <i>KRTAP13-3</i> gene to understand its impact on wool characteristics. Analyzing 232 sheep, researchers identified five sequence variants and explored their association with wool traits like mean fibre diameter (MFD) and fibre diameter variability. Twelve genotypes were found, with variant frequencies ranging from 64.0% to 1.1%. The most common variant (<i>A</i>) was linked to increased fibre diameter variability, while variants <i>B</i> and <i>D</i> showed trends towards decreased variability. No associations were found with fine wool fibres, suggesting <i>KRTAP13-3</i> influences heterotypic hair fibre diameter variability and could serve as a gene marker for wool trait improvement.