Abstract: The trait of cashmere yield is determined by genetic factors. The low yield of cashmere is the key factor that restricts the cashmere industry development. In this study, a total of six three-year-old female Alpas cashmere goats weighing around 34 kg with low cashmere yield (n=3, <480 g) and high cashmere yield (n=3, >1 000 g) were selected from the same population to identify the genomic regions representing selection signatures for cashmere yield trait. For each experimental goat, the high-coverage whole-genome sequencing (30×) was performed, and a total of 8×10⁶ single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were obtained. By comparing the high- and low-cashmere-yield goat groups, we identified 18 genomic regions that might contribute to the phenotypes in cashmere yield trait in Alpas cashmere goat populations by using selective sweep method. Candidate genes of cashmere yield underlying strong selection signatures including CUL1, FBXL3, YY1 and EZH2, were identified, which were involved in multiple signaling pathways associated with secondary follicle development of cashmere such as circadian rhythm signaling pathway, Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway and TGF-β signaling pathway. Our results demonstrate the potential of using sequence data in identifying genomic regions that are responsible for economically significant phenotypes in goats, which in turn can be used in the selection of goat breeds for cashmere yield.

Key words: cashmere yield, whole-genome sequencing, circadian rhythm signaling pathway, Alpas cashmere goats