Associations between genetic polymorphisms and phenotypic traits in the Lesvos dairy sheep

- We report associations between polymorphisms of microsatellite markers with milk yield.
- Some markers also display pleiotropic mode of action on other traits (e.g. body weight).
- Current findings could be implemented in a marker assisted selection program.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the potential associations between polymorphisms of microsatellite markers and various traits in the Lesvos dairy sheep. In total, 350 individuals using 11 microsatellite markers were genotyped and various traits including six body anatomical measurements as well as milk yield and litter size were considered. The adaptive Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator method was employed to detect significant associations between markers' alleles and the various phenotypic traits. In all but one microsatellite loci, rare alleles were detected. Markers OARJMP29, OARFCB128 and OARCP38 were found to be associated with milk yield. Marker OARJMP29 was also associated with body weight, girth circumference and horn length. Marker OARFCB128 was also significant for tail length, tail width and girth circumference while marker OARCP38 was significant for body length, as well. Current results shed more light in the associations between marker polymorphisms with various phenotypic traits in dairy sheep, including traits of economic importance that could potentially be implemented in a marker assisted selection program for increasing production efficiency in the Lesvos breed.