| abstract |
A molecular marker for the selection and breeding of fine-wool sheep is disclosed. The marker is an STR marker comprising a (CA) n repeat core sequence, with n between 5 and 24 that can be obtained by PCR amplification of genomic DNA of sheep using the primers shown in SEQ ID NO: 1 and SEQ ID NO: 2 and sequencing the PCR product. When n is 17 or 18, a sheep is a fine-wool breed, and when n is 23 or 24, a sheep is a non-fine-wool breed. When the CA repeat is discontinuous, i.e., divided into two segments (e.g., 12+11 or 13+11) separated by two bases TA or GA, a sheep is a hybrid breed of fine-wool sheep and non-fine-wool sheep. Use of the marker provides methods of identifying of fine-wool sheep breeds, and efficient and accurate selection of fine-wool sheep or the hybrid offspring of fine-wool sheep for breeding. |