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Genome-wide association study reveals candidate genes for body size and reproductive traits in Hu sheep |
Mao Li1 
, Xin Xiang1
, Wei Gao1
, Liran Zhao1
, Zhengguang Wang1,2
, Kui Li3,*
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1College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China, Hangzhou, China
2Hainan Institute, Zhejiang University, Yongyou Industry Park, Yazhou Bay Sci-Tech City, Sanya 572000, China, Sanya, China
3Zhejiang Provincial Animal Husbandry Technology Extension and Breeding Livestock and Poultry Monitoring Station, Hangzhou, China |
Correspondence:
Kui Li,Email: 403055960@qq.com
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Received: 26 September 2025 • Revised: 10 October 2025 • Accepted: 29 October 2025 |
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| Abstract |
Objective
Larger body size and enhanced reproductive performance correlate with increased profitability for sheep farmers. Notably, Hu sheep have smaller statures compared to other meat sheep breeds, necessitating improvement. Moreover, the molecular mechanisms underlying the high fecundity of Hu sheep remain unclear. Body size and reproductive traits are economically important traits in Hu sheep production, and further research is required.
Methods
To address this, we directly measured the body size (body weight, body height and length, chest circumference and cannon bone circumference) traits of 558 Hu sheep, and statistically recorded their reproductive (litter size and teat number) traits. Using mixed linear model, candidate genes for these traits were identified through genome-wide association study (GWAS). The significant single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) threshold was determined using a 1000 permutation test. Subsequently, functional annotations were conducted on the candidate genes.
Results
We identified a key candidate gene (CHST3) affecting the body size and two key candidate genes (SCMH1 and BAZ2B) influencing reproductive traits in Hu sheep. The CHST3 affected multiple body size traits and was highly expressed in the muscle tissues of Hu sheep. The SCMH1 and BAZ2B were significantly annotated by GWAS and selection signature, and they were highly expressed in the reproductive system of Hu sheep. Furthermore, through a phenome-wide association study (PheWAS) in humans, we found that these key candidate genes were significantly associated with similar traits in humans.
Conclusion
This is the first evidence linking these genes to body size and fecundity in Hu sheep. These findings provide genetic markers for selective breeding, and contribute to the selection of high-quality breeding sheep.
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| Keywords:
Hu sheep; Body size; Reproductive performance; Genome-wide association study; Sheep breeding |
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