Genome-wide analysis of maternal ability in Lleyn sheep

Edmunds, Jody Leigh 2021. Genome-wide analysis of maternal ability in Lleyn sheep. PhD Thesis, Cardiff University. Item availability restricted.

Preview	PDF (PhD Thesis) - Accepted Post-Print Version Download (48MB) | Preview
	PDF (Cardiff University Electronic Publication Form) - Supplemental Material Restricted to Repository staff only Download (204kB)

Abstract

Sheep were domesticated around 11,000 years ago for the production of meat with an additional event occurring for secondary products such as milk and wool later on. Breeding practices have resulted in an increase in selection intensities throughout livestock production leading to the development of product-specific breeds that have boosted productivity and economic value in the industry. As an aside, there is a concern that such selection intensities may lead to a loss of genetic variation and adaptive potential, limiting the amount of further genetic gain within the species. As a result of phenotypic and adaptive selection, Wales is host to a variety of native sheep breeds (Beynon et al. 2015), including the Lleyn which is the breed of interest for this thesis. The Lleyn is renowned for its exceptional maternal ability and the Lleyn Sheep Society has highlighted a need to identify and map the genetic variation that accounts for these desirable traits. This breed-specific study aims to understand why the Lleyn has this excellent maternal performance by utilizing quantitative phenotypic and genetic data to provide a basis for genomic selection of the animals of interest. Furthermore, the project is designed to feedback this information to the Lleyn Sheep Society and its members in the form of an easily understood and effective selection method. It is envisaged that project outcomes will positively affect the market value of the breed and boost the Lleyn’s presence further as a maternal breed in the UK sheep industry.

Item Type:	Thesis (PhD)
Date Type:	Completion
Status:	Unpublished
Schools:	Biosciences
Subjects:	Q Science > QH Natural history > QH301 Biology
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	12 January 2022
Date of Acceptance:	12 January 2022
Last Modified:	12 Jan 2023 02:30
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/146551

Actions (repository staff only)

Edit Item