Work

Associations of TERB2 and LRP6 polymorphisms with cashmere, growth, lactation and reproductive traits in Liaoning Cashmere goats

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: This study evaluated associations of TERB2 and LRP6 polymorphisms with economically important traits in 1 181 Liaoning Cashmere goats (Capra hircus). Two exonic single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), G841C in TERB2 and C98161A in LRP6, were identified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and bidirectional sequencing. Genotype–trait associations for cashmere production, body size, lactation, reproductive, slaughter, and meat-quality traits were analysed separately by sex where appropriate, with Benjamini–Hochberg false discovery rate correction applied to overall genotype effects. The G841C locus showed low polymorphism, with polymorphism information content values of 0.17 and 0.19 in bucks and does, respectively, whereas C98161A showed moderate polymorphism (0.37 in both sexes). Significant genotype effects on several cashmere traits remained after false discovery rate correction (Q < 0.05). In does, the LRP6 CA genotype had finer cashmere than the CC genotype (16.5 vs 16.8 μm; P < 0.05) and a higher cashmere yield rate (75.8% vs 72.7%; P < 0.01). The AA genotype showed greater cashmere yield (1 879 vs 1 804 g; P < 0.01) and fibre length (110 vs 86.6 mm; P < 0.01) than CC. Combined-genotype analysis also detected significant overall effects on all seven cashmere traits after false discovery rate correction (Q < 0.05). Cashmere yield rate was the principal predictor of fibre fineness; the final regression models explained 83.9% and 87.2% of the variation in bucks and does, respectively (adjusted R2 = 0.832 and 0.871). These polymorphisms may provide preliminary marker information for cashmere-related traits, but independent population validation and functional studies are required before breeding application.

Source: Czech Journal of Animal Science

DOI: 10.17221/167/2025-cjas