Factor analysis of evaluated and linearly scored traits in Swedish Warmblood horses.

Assessment protocols to describe the various aspects of conformation, gait and jumping traits on a linear scale were introduced at young horse tests for Swedish Warmblood horses in 2013. The traits scored on a linear scale are assumed to be less subjective and more easily compared across populations than the traditional evaluated traits that are scored relative to the breeding goal. However, the resulting number of traits is considerable, and several of the traits are correlated.

Genome-wide association study reveals novel candidate genes for litter size in Markhoz goats.

Introduction: The Markhoz goat is the only breed that can produce high-quality fiber called mohair in Iran; however, the size of its population has faced a dramatic decline during the last decades, mainly due to the reluctance of farmers to rear Markhoz goats caused by a reduction in goat production income. Litter size at birth (LSB) and weaning (LSW) are two economically important reproductive traits for local goat breeders and have the potential of increasing the population growth rate. The present study was aimed to identify possible genomic regions that are associated with LSB and LSW in Markhoz goats using a genome-wide association study (GWAS).

Genome-Wide Association Studies Identify Candidate Genes for Coat Color and Mohair Traits in the Iranian Markhoz Goat.

The Markhoz goat provides an opportunity to study the genetics underlying coat color and mohair traits of an Angora type goat using genome-wide association studies (GWAS). This indigenous Iranian breed is valued for its quality mohair used in ceremonial garments and has the distinction of exhibiting an array of coat colors including black, brown, and white. Here, we performed 16 GWAS for different fleece (mohair) traits and coat color in 228 Markhoz goats sampled from the Markhoz Goat Research Station in Sanandaj, Kurdistan province, located in western Iran using the Illumina Caprine 50K beadchip.