DETECTION OF QTL AFFECTING FLEECE TRAITS ON CHI 19 IN ANGORA GOATS

Abstract

Some previous studies have indicated the presence of genes or gene families involved in fleece traits in different species. The aim of the present study was to search Quantitative Traits Loci (QTL) associated with fleece qualitative and quantitative traits on goat chromosome (CHI) 19. The population analyzed had a total of 727 kids from 17 Angora bucks. Nine phenotypic fleece traits were recorded. An interval analysis was performed under a half-sib model using the QTL Express program. Our results confirm a QTL for Coefficient of Variation of Average Fiber Diameter (CVAFD) and we found new QTL for Staple Length (SL) and Greasy Fleece Weight (GFW). Further investigations should concern diminishing the confidence interval increasing the number of kids in existing families and making a fine mapping on the candidate region.