Ewes' reproductive performance could be predicted using the data available early in their life. Ewe birth rank, dam birth rank, first litter size, and first lambing interval are significantly associated with ewe reproductive performance up to the fourth year of life. Precise prediction of ewe reproductive performance using the early predictors is impossible due to the low R² predicted. The value of the lower threshold of the 95 % prediction interval might be useful in making selection decisions.

In this study, we found that miR-369-3p inhibits the proliferation and differentiation of Aohan fine-wool sheep (AFWS) preadipocytes. This study provides a theoretical basis for further exploration of the molecular mechanism of fat deposition in sheep and other livestock.

Genes enriched in sensory perception were positively selected via selection signature analysis between wild Asiatic mouflon and domesticated Hu sheep. Among them, RDH5 is one of the key enzymes in the synthesis of retinoic acid (RA), which is related to human retinopathy. The c.722T>C/p.M241T mutation of RDH5 affects retinol dehydrogenase activity in the domestication process of sheep.

This study aimed to understand the effects of adding low-dose oxytocin hormone into ram semen on the pregnancy rate and reproductive efficiency of sheep. A total of 53 out of 122 Chios ewes were inseminated with oxytocin hormone content, and successful pregnancy was achieved 90.56 % of them. In examination of the pregnancy rate, one of the indicators of reproductive performance, the difference between the groups is statistically significant (p = 0.046; p ≤ 0.05).

Three-way crossbreeding was performed with Australian White, Dorper, and Charollais as terminal male parents and elite F1 hybrids of Australian × Han, Dorper × Han, and Charollais × Han as female parents. Based on the growth of three-way crossbred and Small-tailed Han lambs as well as the effects of CLPG, the offspring of male Australian White and female Charollais × Han showed apparent heterosis, and the individuals with the T allele had improved body weight and body size.