The effect of telomere length variation on lifetime productivity traits in sheep
| Project start date: | 15 June 2010 |
| Project end date: | 18 March 2011 |
| Publication date: | 01 November 2011 |
| Project status: | Completed |
| Livestock species: | Sheep |
| Relevant regions: | National |
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Summary
Telomere DNA length exhibits an age-related decline in humans and it is emerging as a biomarker for longevity and fitness. Telomere DNA is important for maintaining the proliferative capacity of stem cells as excessive shortening of these structures, which form protective caps on the ends of chromosomes, reduces the body’s ability to rejuvenate aging tissue. As telomere DNA length is highly heritable with a significant genetic influence from the paternal genome, we assessed whether variation in telomere DNA length in sheep aged 1 -7 years was correlated with Australian Sheep Breeding Values (ASBVs) for a range of genetic traits. Only weak genetic relationships were detected between telomere length and ASBVs, with the highest genetic associations observed for birth weight, fatness (CFAT) and two wool quality traits (staple strength and coefficient of variation in fibre diameter).
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| Project manager: | Robert Banks |
| Primary researcher: | Primary Industries and Regions SA |
