A study of the phenotypic expression of the lustre gene in sheep and a chromosomal analysis of this abnormality: a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Genetics at Massey University

Abstract

Blood and skin samples were taken from sheep with both the lustre and normal phenotype for the study of chromosomal banding patterns, follicle density, and cell type distribution. The chromosomal analysis showed no significant difference in the banding pattern, when a comparison was made between normal and Lustre animals. There were however, significant differences in the follicle density analysis. All parameters measured (primary follicle density, secondary follicle density, S/P ration, and total follicle density) showed statistically significant differences between normal and lustre animals (P<0.1). There was also a significant difference in the distribution of the paracortical and orthocortical cells when comparing normal sheep to lustre. In addition to this, there was a significant difference found in proportion of the different types of cells, and the fibre area (P<0.01).