Molecular Genetics of Fibre Quality Traits in Indian Sheep and Goat Breeds: A Review


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Authors

  • Sakshi Kaith Scientist, ICAR-IIAB, Ranchi Author
  • Shubham Loat Author
  • Kanaka K. K. Author
  • Amit Kumar Author
  • Soumen Naskar Author

Abstract

India maintains one of the largest and most diverse populations of sheep and goats in the world, distributed across four agro-climatic eco-zones ranging from the arid regions of Rajasthan to the cold high-altitude deserts of Ladakh. This diversity is visible in the types of fibre produced by animals.  The fiber types span from the coarse carpet wool of the Chokla and Magra breeds of Rajasthan to the ultrafine pashmina of the Changthangi goat of Ladakh. Over the past two decades, molecular genetic research on animal fiber has moved from breed-level phenotypic characterization toward gene- and pathway-level analysis of the traits that determine fiber fineness, length, and lustre. This review compiles the current understanding of the structural genes- keratins (KRT) and keratin-associated proteins (KRTAP), and regulatory genes (FGF5, WNT10B, LEF1, BMP2, and related follicle-cycling factors) that govern fiber quality in sheep and goats, with particular emphasis on the Indian breeds Chokla, Magra, and the Changthangi pashmina goat. The review concludes by identifying gaps in breed-specific molecular characterization in India and by outlining directions for marker-assisted selection and conservation of indigenous fiber-yielding genetic resources.

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2026-07-15

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2026-09-18

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Vol. 15 No. 1 (2026)

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Kaith, S., Shubham Loat, Kanaka K. K., Amit Kumar, & Soumen Naskar. (2026). Molecular Genetics of Fibre Quality Traits in Indian Sheep and Goat Breeds: A Review. Journal of Livestock Biodiversity, 15(1). https://epubs.icar.org.in/index.php/JLB/article/view/181470