Understanding molecular mechanisms of vertebral number of variations on Mongolian sheep using candidate genes analysis

This study aimed to investigate the genetic link between variations in vertebral number and meat production traits, such as body weight and body measurements (body length, body height, heart girth, and shin width) in Mongolian (Bayantsagaan) sheep. Additionally, we examined the association of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in candidate genes, particularly Vertnin (VRTN), Nuclear receptor subfamily 6, group A, member 1 (NR6A1), and synapse differentiation-inducing 1-like (SYNDIG1L), with vertebral number variations and their potential impact on meat production traits.