The sheep genome has been sequenced after an eight-year collaboration involving 26 institutions from eight countries.
The International Sheep Genomics Consortium, led by CSIRO researchers, focused particularly on understanding the genes involved in wool production.
Among their discoveries was a new pathway for metabolising the lipids in sheep skin, and a number of new genes expressed only in the sheep’s rumen.
With around one billion sheep worldwide, understanding their genetics could drive major advancements in meat, milk and wool production.
Read more at CSIRO