A genome screen for QTL for wool traits in a Merino x Romney backcross flock (Reprinted)

Genetic markers, mainly microsatellites from the sheep linkage map, were us ed to search for Quantitative Trait Loci (QTL) for wool traits using a Meri no x Romney backcross flock. Various phenotypes including yearling liveweig ht, yearling fleece weight, mean fibre diameter and wool bulk were measured in the flock. The first part of the genome screen with 216 informative mar kers were completed in four 3/4 Merino backcross families. The results to d ate show no evidence of major genes segregating for any of the traits analy sed. There was, however, evidence for segregation for fibre diameter at one marker locus (difference of 1.7 mu m between progeny groups).