Geographical contrasts of Y-chromosomal haplogroups from wild and domestic goats reveal ancient migrations and recent introgressions.

By their paternal transmission, Y-chromosomal haplotypes are sensitive markers of population history and male-mediated introgression. Previous studies identified biallelic single-nucleotide variants in the SRY, ZFY and DDX3Y genes, which in domestic goats identified four major Y-chromosomal haplotypes, Y1A, Y1B, Y2A and Y2B, with a marked geographical partitioning. Here, we extracted goat Y-chromosomal variants from whole-genome sequences of 386 domestic goats (75 breeds) and seven wild goat species, which were generated by the VarGoats goat genome project.

Across-country genomic predictions in Norwegian and New Zealand Composite sheep populations with similar development history.

The goal of this study was to assess the feasibility of across-country genomic predictions in Norwegian White Sheep (NWS) and New Zealand Composite (NZC) sheep populations with similar development history. Different training populations were evaluated (i.e.

Genetic Connectedness Between Norwegian White Sheep and New Zealand Composite Sheep Populations With Similar Development History.

The Norwegian White sheep (NWS) and New Zealand Terminal Sire Composite (NZC) sheep breeds have been developed based on crossing of multiple breeds, mainly of Northern European origin. A close genetic relationship between these populations could enable across-country genomic evaluations. The main objectives of this study were to assess the genetic connectedness between Norwegian and New Zealand sheep populations and estimate numerous genetic diversity metrics for these two populations.

Genomic selection strategies to improve maternal traits in Norwegian White Sheep.

This study tested and compared different implementation strategies for genomic selection for Norwegian White Sheep, aiming to increase genetic gain for maternal traits. These strategies were evaluated for their genetic gain ingrowth, carcass and maternal traits, total genetic gain, a weighted sum of the gain in each trait and rates of inbreeding through a full-scale stochastic simulation. Results showed genomic selection schemes to increase genetic gain for maternal traits but reduced genetic gain for other traits.

Impact of two myostatin (MSTN) mutations on weight gain and lamb carcass classification in Norwegian White Sheep (Ovis aries).

Background: Our aim was to estimate the effect of two myostatin (MSTN) mutations in Norwegian White Sheep, one of which is close to fixation in the Texel breed.

Methods: The impact of two known MSTN mutations was examined in a field experiment with Norwegian White Sheep. The joint effect of the two MSTN mutations on live weight gain and weaning weight was studied on 644 lambs.