The silk gland proteome of Stenopsyche angustata provides insights into the underwater silk secretion.

Caddisworms (Trichoptera) spin adhesive silks to construct a variety of underwater composite structures. Many studies have focused on the fibroin heavy chain of caddisworm silk and found that it contains heavy phosphorylation to maintain a stable secondary structure. Besides fibroins, recent studies have also identified some new silk proteins within caddisworm silk. To better understand the silk composition and its secretion process, this study reports the silk gland proteome of a retreat-building caddisworm, Stenopsyche angustata Martynov (Trichoptera, Stenopsychidae). Using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), 2389 proteins were identified in the silk gland of S. angustata, among which 192 were predicted as secreted silk proteins. Twenty-nine proteins were found to be enriched in the front silk gland, whereas 109 proteins were enriched in the caudal silk gland. The fibroin heavy chain and nine uncharacterized silk proteins were identified as phosphorylated proteins. By analysing the sequence of the fibroin heavy chain, we found that it contains 13 Gly/Thr/Pro-rich regions, 12 Val/Ser/Arg-rich regions and a Gly/Arg/Thr-rich region. Three uncharacterized proteins were identified as sericin-like proteins due to their larger molecular weights, signal peptides and repetitive motifs rich in serine. This study provides valuable information for further clarifying the secretion and adhesion of underwater caddisworm silk.

Progress on CRISPR/Cas9 system in the genetic improvement of livestock and poultry.

CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing technology, as a highly efficient genome editing method, has been extensively employed in the realm of animal husbandry for genetic improvement. With its remarkable efficiency and precision, this technology has revolutionized the field of animal husbandry. Currently, CRISPR/Cas9-based gene knockout, gene knock-in and gene modification techniques are widely employed to achieve precise enhancements in crucial production traits of livestock and poultry species. In this review, we summarize the operational principle and development history of CRISPR/Cas9 technology. Additionally, we highlight the research advancements utilizing this technology in muscle growth and development, fiber growth, milk quality composition, disease resistance breeding, and animal welfare within the livestock and poultry sectors. Our aim is to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the application of CRISPR/Cas9 technology in gene editing for livestock and poultry.

Ferrocene-functionalized nanocomposites as signal amplification probes for electrochemical immunoassay of Salmonella typhimurium.

An electrochemical immunosensor based on ferrocene (Fc)-functionalized nanocomposites was fabricated as an efficient electroactive signal probe to amplify electrochemical signals for Salmonella typhimurium detection. The electrochemical signal amplification probe was constructed by encapsulating ferrocene into S. typhimurium-specific antimicrobial peptides Magainin I (MI)-Cu3(PO4)2 organic-inorganic nanocomposites (Fc@MI) through a one-step process. Magnetic beads (MBs) coupled with antibody were used as capture ingredient for target magnetic separation, and Fc@MI nanoparticles were used as signal labels in the immunoassays. The sandwich of MBs-target-Fc@MI assay was performed using a screen-printed carbon electrode as transducer surface. The immunosensor platform presents a low limit of detection (LOD) of 3 CFU·mL-1 and a linear range from 10 to 107 CFU·mL-1, with good specificity and precision, and was successfully applied for S. typhimurium detection in milk. Graphical abstract One-pot process antimicrobial peptides Magainin I-Cu3(PO4)2 organic-inorganic nanocomposites (Fc@MI) were used as ideal electrochemical signal label, integrating both essential functions of biological recognition and signal amplification. Screen-printed carbon electrode (SPCE) was used as the electrochemical system for Salmonella typhimurium detection.

Perilipin 5 deficiency promotes atherosclerosis progression through accelerating inflammation, apoptosis, and oxidative stress.

Excessive plasma triglyceride (TG) and cholesterol levels promote the progression of several prevalent cardiovascular risk factors, including atherosclerosis, which is a leading death cause. Perilipin 5 (Plin5), an important perilipin protein, is abundant in tissues with very active lipid catabolism and is involved in the regulation of oxidative stress. Although inflammation and oxidative stress play a critical role in atherosclerosis development, the underlying mechanisms are complex and not completely understood. In the present study, we demonstrated the role of Plin5 in high-fat-diet-induced atherosclerosis in apolipoprotein E null (ApoE-/- ) mice. Our results suggested that Plin5 expressions increased in the artery tissues of ApoE-/- mice. ApoE/Plin5 double knockout (ApoE-/- Plin5-/- ) exacerbated severer atherogenesis, accompanied with significantly disturbed plasma metabolic profiles, such as elevated TG, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels and reduced high-density lipoprotein cholesterol contents. ApoE-/- Plin5-/- exhibited a higher number of inflammatory monocytes and neutrophils, as well as overexpression of cytokines and chemokines linked with an inflammatory response. Consistently, the IκBα/nuclear factor kappa B pathway was strongly activated in ApoE-/- Plin5-/- . Notably, apoptosis was dramatically induced by ApoE-/- Plin5-/- , as evidenced by increased cleavage of Caspase-3 and Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase-2. In addition, ApoE-/- Plin5-/- contributed to oxidative stress generation in the aortic tissues, which was linked with the activation of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B and mitogen-activated protein kinases pathways. In vitro, oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) increased Plin5 expression in RAW264.7 cells. Its knockdown enhanced inflammation, apoptosis, oxidative stress, and lipid accumulation, while promotion of Plin5 markedly reduced all the effects induced by ox-LDL in cells. These studies strongly supported that Plin5 could be a new regulator against atherosclerosis, providing new insights on therapeutic solutions.

Plin5 deficiency promotes atherosclerosis progression through accelerating inflammation, apoptosis and oxidative stress.

Excessive plasma triglyceride and cholesterol levels promote the progression of several prevalent cardiovascular risk factors, including atherosclerosis, which is a leading death cause. Perilipin 5 (Plin5), an important perilipin protein, is abundant in tissues with very active lipid catabolism, and is involved in the regulation of oxidative stress. Although, in?ammation and oxidative stress play a critical role in atherosclerosis development, the underlying mechanisms are complex and not completely understood. In the present study, we demonstrated the role of Plin5 in high-fat-diet-induced atherosclerosis in apolipoprotein E null (ApoE-/- ) mice. Our results suggested that Plin5 expressions increased in the artery tissues of ApoE-/- mice. ApoE/Plin5 double knockout (ApoE-/- Plin5-/- ) exacerbated severer atherogenesis, accompanied with significantly disturbed plasma metabolic profiles, such as elevated triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLC) levels and reduced high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLC) contents. ApoE-/- Plin5-/- exhibited higher number of inflammatory monocytes and neutrophils, as well as over-expression of cytokines and chemokines linked with inflammatory response. Consistently, IκBα/nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) pathway was strongly activated in ApoE-/- Plin5-/- . Notably, apoptosis was dramatically induced by ApoE-/- Plin5-/- , as evidenced by increased cleavage of Caspase-3 and Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase-2 (PARP-2). In addition, ApoE-/- Plin5-/- contributed to oxidative stress generation in the aortic tissues, which was linked with the activation of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase /protein kinase B (PI3K/AKT) and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) pathways. In vitro, oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL) increased Plin5 expression in RAW264.7 cells. Its knockdown enhanced inflammation, apoptosis, oxidative stress and lipid accumulation, while promotion of Plin5 markedly reduced all the effects induced by ox-LDL in cells. These studies strongly supported that Plin5 could be a new regulator against atherosclerosis, providing new insights on therapeutic solutions. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Endovascular Treatment of an Unusual Membranous Obstruction of the Inferior Vena Cava in Budd-Chiari Syndrome Complicated by Mural Portal Vein Thrombosis.

We describe the case of a patient with Budd-Chiari syndrome who presented with an unusual membranous obstruction of the inferior vena cava complicated by massive portal vein thrombosis (PVT). The patient underwent percutaneous transluminal balloon angioplasty through the right groin and was prescribed oral warfarin for 6 months. Treatment resulted in the complete disappearance of the PVT. This therapeutic strategy should be considered in the management of other cases of this rare, complex disease.

Budd-Chiari syndrome with upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage: Characteristic and long-term outcomes of endovascular treatment.

Purpose To identify the characteristics and evaluate the long-term outcomes of endovascular treatment of Budd-Chiari syndrome with upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage. Methods Forty-seven consecutive Budd-Chiari syndrome patients with upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage were referred for the treatment with percutaneous transluminal balloon angioplasty, and subsequently underwent follow-up. Data were retrospectively collected and follow-up observations were performed at 1, 2, 2-5, and 5-8 years postoperatively. Results Cirrhosis was presented in 16 patients, and splenoportography reviewed obvious varices in 18 patients. Percutaneous transluminal balloon angioplasty was technically successful in all patients. Major procedure-related complications occurred in 3 of the 47 patients (6.38%). The cumulative 1, 2, 2-5, and 5-8 year primary patency rates were 100% (46/46), 93.2% (41/44), 90.9% (40/44), and 86.4% (19/22), respectively. The cumulative 1, 2, 2-5, and 5-8 year secondary patency rates were 100% (47/47), 100% (44/44), 100% (44/44), and 95.5% (21/22), respectively. Mean and median duration of primary patency was 65.17 ± 3.78 and 69.0 ± 5.69 months, respectively. No upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage recurred during follow-ups. The mean survival time was 66.97 ± 3.61 months and the median survival time was 69.0 ± 4.10 months. Conclusion PTBA was an effective treatment that can prevent recurrence of the life-threatening complications and ensured long-term satisfactory clinical outcomes for Budd-Chiari syndrome patients with upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage. Percutaneous transhepatic variceal embolization was not recommended for all Budd-Chiari syndrome patients with upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage.

Value of blood flow velocity on color Doppler ultrasonography for optimization of delay in scanning time on computed tomography venography in patients with Budd-Chiari syndrome and inferior vena cava obstruction.

PURPOSE: To prospectively determine the value of blood flow velocity in the inferior vena cava (IVC) on color Doppler ultrasonography for the optimization of the delay in scanning time after contrast injection during computed tomography (CT) venography in patients with Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS) with IVC obstruction. METHODS: We enrolled 122 consecutive BCS patients with IVC obstruction. All patients underwent color Doppler ultrasonography, CT venography, and digital subtraction angiography (DSA) in that order prior to treatment. The delay in scanning time during CT venography was set at 120, 180, 240, and 300 s after contrast injection. The correlation between delay in CT scanning and IVC blood flow velocity on color Doppler ultrasonography was explored. Image quality was classified as good, moderate, or poor. Patients with good CT image quality were considered to have an optimal delay in scanning time. RESULTS: Delays in scanning time of 120, 180, 240, and 300 s yielded good-quality images in 2, 7, 49, and 64 patients, respectively. The corresponding IVC blood flow velocities in these patients were 16.10 ± 0.42 cm/s (range 15.8-16.4 cm/s), 12.90 ± 1.58 cm/s (range, 11-15 cm/s), 7.53 ± 1.35 cm/s (range 5-10 cm/s), and 1.95 ± 1.75 cm/s (range 0-5.5 cm/s). CONCLUSION: IVC blood flow velocity on color Doppler ultrasonography could serve as a useful tool for the optimization of the delay in scanning time during CT venography to ensure good-quality images for the diagnosis of BCS with IVC obstruction.

Long-term safety and outcome of percutaneous transhepatic venous balloon angioplasty for Budd-Chiari syndrome.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The restenosis following percutaneous transluminal balloon angioplasty (PTBA) is high for Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS) patients with hepatic venous obstruction (HVO). We aim to evaluate the safety and long-term outcome of PTBA with a large balloon catheter in a large series of patients with HVO. METHODS: Between January 2005 and December 2013, 93 consecutive BCS patients with HVO were referred for PTBA and subsequently underwent color Doppler ultrasonography or angiography follow-up. Data were retrospectively collected, and follow-up observations were performed at 1-, 2-, 2- to 5-, and 5- to 8-years postoperatively. RESULTS: Percutaneous transluminal balloon angioplasty was technically successful in all patients. Ninety-one patients (97.85%) were treated with PTBA and two with PTBA and stent. Major procedure-related complications occurred in six of the 93 patients (6.45%). The cumulative 1-, 2-, 2- to 5-, and 5- to 8-year primary patency rates were 97.5%, 92.9%, 90%, and 86.5%, respectively. Cumulative 1-, 2-, 2- to 5-, and 5- to 8-year secondary patency rates were 100%, 100%, 98.6%, and 97.3%, respectively. Mean and median primary patency rates were 51.50 ± 3.01 months and 55.0 ± 3.63 months, respectively. Cumulative 1-, 2-, 2- to 5-, and 5- to 8-year survival rates were 98.75%, 98.6%, 100%, and 100%, respectively. Mean and median survival times were 53.10 ± 3.04 months and 55.0 ± 3.64 months, respectively. CONCLUSION: Percutaneous transluminal balloon angioplasty with a large balloon is a safe and effective treatment that could provide excellent rates of long-term patency and survival for the majority of Chinese patients with BCS and HVO.

[The transcriptome research progresses of skin hair follicle development].

Recently, transcriptome sequencing technology has achieved significant progresses in gene network regulation of important economic traits in animals. As the derivative of mammalian skin, hair follicle is capable of self-renew. Its proliferation and differentiation result in hair formation. Researches have revealed that many growth factors and receptors coordinate genes and environment, as well as play an extremely important role during hair growth. In this review, we summarize the progresses that transcriptome sequencing technologies have achieved in researches of hair follicle development and renegeration in a variety of species, such as humans, mice, goats. We aim to provide theoretical mechanisms for the artificial interference of villus growth cycle, and new ideas for therapeutic treatment of skin hair follicle- related diseases.

Portal, mesenteric, and splenic vein thromboses after endovascular embolization for gastrointestinal bleeding caused by a splenic arteriovenous fistula.

We present an unusual case of portal, mesenteric, and splenic vein thromboses after endovascular embolization for gastrointestinal bleeding caused by a splenic arteriovenous fistula. The thromboses were successfully treated with anticoagulation therapy. The patient was a 37-year-old woman who presented with portal hypertension manifested by gastrointestinal bleeding with no evidence of liver disease. Splenic arteriography confirmed the presence of a high-flow arteriovenous fistulous communication from the splenic artery directly into the splenic vein. The arteriovenous fistula was successfully treated with percutaneous transarterial embolization by embolization coils and the patient achieved effective hemostasis. Low-molecular-weight heparin and warfarin were administrated to prevent thrombosis in the portal venous system after the procedure. Although anticoagulants were immediately administered, thromboses of the portal, mesenteric, and splenic veins were diagnosed by contrast-enhanced computed tomography after 10 days. Complete recanalization of the portal venous system confirmed by contrast-enhanced computed tomography was achieved by administering warfarin orally for 3 months.

Spontaneous intrahepatic portosystemic shunt in Budd-Chiari syndrome.

Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS) caused by hepatic venous outflow obstruction may result in portal hypertension and the development of intrahepatic collaterals that bypass the obstruction. Spontaneous intrahepatic portosystemic venous shunt (SIPSVS) is uncommon and may be associated with portal hypertension. SIPSVS is extremely rare in patients with BCS and has not been well documented. We report a case of SIPSVS in a 42-year-old woman with BCS caused by membranous obstruction and chronic thrombosis in the inferior vena cava (IVC). A direct vascular communication between the left portal vein and IVC was confirmed by sonography and a computed tomography angiography scan. The patient underwent successful percutaneous balloon angioplasty of the IVC. Surgical or endovascular treatment for SIPSVS was not carried out because the patient was asymptomatic and remained asymptomatic in terms of encephalopathy at a 1-year follow-up.

Endovascular treatment for extrahepatic portal vein bifurcation stenosis after a Whipple procedure using the kissing stents technique.

A 57-year-old man presented with a rare extrahepatic portal vein bifurcation scar stenosis involving the proximal splenic vein and superior mesenteric vein after a Whipple procedure. He was treated with endovascular coil embolization for the gastroesophageal varices and kissing stents for the portal vein bifurcation stenosis. This case illustrates a rarely seen complication after the Whipple procedure and a novel management strategy that can be considered in the management of this complex disease.

Endovascular treatment of an unusual primary arterioportal fistula complicated by cavernous transformation of the portal vein caused by portal thrombosis.

We describe an elderly woman who presented with an unusual primary arterioportal fistula and cavernous transformation of the portal vein caused by portal thrombosis, which were subsequently managed with endovascular coil embolization and transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt using 2 stents after balloon remodeling. This case shows a rarely seen condition in the elderly and a novel management strategy that should be considered in the management of this complex disease.

Prediction of MicroRNA-Disease Potential Association Based on Sparse Learning and Multilayer Random Walks.

More and more studies have shown that microRNAs (miRNAs) play an indispensable role in the study of complex diseases in humans. Traditional biological experiments to detect miRNA-disease associations are expensive and time-consuming. Therefore, it is necessary to propose efficient and meaningful computational models to predict miRNA-disease associations. In this study, we aim to propose a miRNA-disease association prediction model based on sparse learning and multilayer random walks (SLMRWMDA). The miRNA-disease association matrix is decomposed and reconstructed by the sparse learning method to obtain richer association information, and at the same time, the initial probability matrix for the random walk with restart algorithm is obtained. The disease similarity network, miRNA similarity network, and miRNA-disease association network are used to construct heterogeneous networks, and the stable probability is obtained based on the topological structure features of diseases and miRNAs through a multilayer random walk algorithm to predict miRNA-disease potential association. The experimental results show that the prediction accuracy of this model is significantly improved compared with the previous related models. We evaluated the model using global leave-one-out cross-validation (global LOOCV) and fivefold cross-validation (5-fold CV). The area under the curve (AUC) value for the LOOCV is 0.9368. The mean AUC value for 5-fold CV is 0.9335 and the variance is 0.0004. In the case study, the results show that SLMRWMDA is effective in inferring the potential association of miRNA-disease.

Prediction of potential drug-microbe associations based on matrix factorization and a three-layer heterogeneous network.

Microbes in the human body are closely linked to many complex human diseases and are emerging as new drug targets. These microbes play a crucial role in drug development and disease treatment. Traditional methods of biological experiments are not only time-consuming but also costly. Using computational methods to predict microbe-drug associations can effectively complement biological experiments. In this experiment, we constructed heterogeneity networks for drugs, microbes, and diseases using multiple biomedical data sources. Then, we developed a model with matrix factorization and a three-layer heterogeneous network (MFTLHNMDA) to predict potential drug-microbe associations. The probability of microbe-drug association was obtained by a global network-based update algorithm. Finally, the performance of MFTLHNMDA was evaluated in the framework of leave-one-out cross-validation (LOOCV) and 5-fold cross-validation (5-fold CV). The results showed that our model performed better than six state-of-the-art methods that had AUC of 0.9396 and 0.9385 + /- 0.0000, respectively. This case study further confirms the effectiveness of MFTLHNMDA in identifying potential drug-microbe associations and new drug-microbe associations.

A 1.1 Mb duplication CNV on chromosome 17 contributes to skeletal muscle development in Boer goats.

The Boer goat is one of the top meat breeds in modern animal husbandry and has attracted widespread attention for its unique growth performance. However, the genetic basis of muscle development in the Boer goat remains obscure. In this study, we identified specific structural variants in the Boer goat based on genome-wide selection signals and analyzed the basis of the molecular heredity of related candidate genes in muscle development. A total of 9 959 autosomal copy number variations (CNVs) were identified through selection signal analysis in 127 goat genomes. Specifically, we confirmed that the highest signal CNV (HSV) was a chromosomal arrangement containing an approximately 1.11 Mb (CHIR17: 60062304-61171840 bp) duplicated fragment inserted in reverse orientation and a 5 362 bp deleted region (CHIR17:60145940-60151302 bp) with overlapping genes (e.g., ARHGAP10, NR3C2, EDNRA, PRMT9, and TMEM184C). The homozygous duplicated HSV genotype (+/+) was found in 96% of Boer goats but was not detected in Eurasian goats and was only detected in 4% of indigenous African goats. The expression network of three candidate genes ( ARHGAP10, NR3C2, and EDNRA) regulating dose transcription was constructed by RNA sequencing. Results indicated that these genes were involved in the proliferation and differentiation of skeletal muscle satellite cells (SMSCs) and their overexpression significantly increased the expression of SAA3. The HSV of the Boer goat contributed to superior skeletal muscle growth via the dose effects of overlapping genes.

[A method for screening microRNA target genes in goat skin by microRNA seed sequence mediated PCR].

The purpose of the present study was to establish a new microRNA seed mediated controllable genetic operation, namely MicroRNA Targets Finger Print (MTFP), for screening microRNA targets and detecting target gene expression profiles. Based on combining the complementary sequence of seed sequence, upstream and downstream anchor sequence including special adaptor, microRNA targets were amplified by means of the reverse transcription and special two step PCR. The polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis was used to analyze the sizes of amplified microRNA targets and their abundance of expression, which were used to screen specifically expressed genes in different physiological or experimental conditions. Specific target genes were obtained through isolation of DNA fragments and sequencing methods. As an example, by screening the targets of miR-203 in goat skin, five genes were amplified and sequenced with the sizes of 718 bp (JN709494), 349 bp (JN709495), 243 bp (JN709496), 159 bp (JN709497), and 97 bp (JN709498) from goat skin collections. The novel universal MTFP method could be applied for finding microRNA regulation targets or assessing target gene expression profile.

[Detection and application of PIS genetic deficiency gene in dairy goat].

The purpose of this study was to develop a molecular method for detecting polled intersex syndrome (PIS) genetic deficiency gene in dairy goat. Three pairs of primers, PIS-, PIS+, and NEI were designed based on PIS gene sequence (AF404302) to identify the PIS genetic deficiency genotype. For the normal phenotype, the fragments of 141 and 300 bp were obtained for the genotype PIS-PIS-, and 141, 449, and 300 bp for the genotype PIS-PIS+. For the PIS goat with the genotype PIS+PIS+, 449 and 300 bp were obtained. Two hundred and twenty-four dairy goats in one population were tested based on this method. The results showed that there were 150 PIS-PIS+, 70 PIS -PIS-, and 4 PIS+PIS+. The genotype frequency of PIS-PIS+ was 66.9%, and the gene frequency of PIS+ was 35.3% in the population. Therefore, the frequency of PIS offspring was over 12%. This study developed a method to detect PIS genetic deficiency dairy goat. The method could identify buck genotype accurately to avoid the occurrence of PIS genetic deficiency. The ease and accuracy show a strong potential of the method for use in marker assisted selection of dairy goats and healthy development of dairy goat industry.

[Impact of maternal genetic effect on genetic parameter estimation of production traits for Qinghai fine-wool sheep].

The maternal genetic effects on estimating genetic parameters for growth traits and wool traits of Qinghai fine-wool sheep were investigated.The genetic parameters for production traits of Qinghai fine-wool sheep were estimated by average information restricted maximum likelihood (AIREML) with different animal models, and the differences between different animal models were tested by likelihood ratio test. Fixed effects, direct genetic effects, and residual effects were included all models; and random effects were individual permanence environmental effects, maternal genetic effects, and maternal permanence environmental effects. The six models differ in the way of considering random effects: in model 1 individual permanence environmental effects, maternal genetic effects, and maternal permanence environmental effects were not contained; in model 2 maternal permanence environmental effects were included; in model 3 maternal genetic effects were included; in model 4 both maternal genetic effects and maternal permanence environmental effects were include; in model 5 both individual permanence environmental effects and maternal genetic effects were contained;in model 6 all random effects were contained. The direct heritabilities were 0.1896~0.3781, 0.2537~0.2890, 0.2244~0.3225, 0.2205~0.3983, 0.1218~0.1490, 0.0983~0.4802, and 0.1170~0.1311 for birth weight, weaning weight, yearling weight, hogget weight,greasy fleece weight, fiber diameter, and staple length,respectively. Compared with model 1, model 3 was-significant(P<0.01) for birth weight and weaning weight, other models were not significant (P>0.05)for Yearling weight, Hogget weight; and paralleled with model 6, both model 4 and model 5 were significant(P<0.01) for fiber diameter,model 4 was significant(P<0.05) for staple length, and other models were not significant(P>0.05) for greasy fleece weight by likelihood ratio test.The maternal effects were important determinants of estimated the genetic parameters for birth weight, weaning weigh, fiber diameter, and staple length, but were not significant for yearling weight, and hogget weight, and was slightly significant for greasy fleece weight.