Variation in the KAP6-1 gene in Chinese Tan sheep and associations with variation in wool traits

The keratin-associated protein KAP6-1 gene (KRTAP6-1) was investigated for its effect on wool traits in Chinese Tan sheep. Two previously identified KRTAP6-1 variants (A and B) and two newly identified KRTAP6-1 variants (D and E) were detected with frequencies of 28.9%, 57.1%, 10.3% and 3.7% for A, B, D and E, respectively. The KRTAP6-1 variant C, was not found in the Chinese Tan sheep. Variant D was found to be associated with increased straightened fibre-length at birth, while variant E was found to be associated with increased straightened fibre-length, the number of crimps and the degree of crimping at approximately 35 days post-partum (conventionally called “Er-mao”). Variant E was also associated with increased wool fibre growth rate from birth to Er-mao. These results suggest that variation in ovine KRTAP6-1 may affect wool traits in early life in Chinese Tan sheep.