Evidence map›Paper›PMID 41751594›Full record

ReviewGenes2026

Genetic and Environmental Architecture of Ram Fertility Traits: A Review.

Kaiyue Zheng, Krishani Sinhalage, Guilherme Henrique Gebim Polizel, Ángela Cánovas

Abstract readReview
In one paragraph

Review in Genes, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
0citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

0 citing papers in PubMed.

No citing paper in PubMed yet.

4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

4 authors.

Kaiyue ZhengCentre for Genetic Improvement of Livestock, Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road East, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada.
Krishani SinhalageCentre for Genetic Improvement of Livestock, Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road East, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada.ORCID 0000-0002-3732-7790
Guilherme Henrique Gebim PolizelCentre for Genetic Improvement of Livestock, Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road East, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada.ORCID 0000-0002-8497-9898
Ángela CánovasCentre for Genetic Improvement of Livestock, Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road East, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada.ORCID 0000-0002-0036-0757

Funding

Canada First Research Excellence FundNatural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of CanadaOntario Agri-Food Innovation AllianceOntario Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and AgribusinessOntario Sheep Farmers
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

BACKGROUND/

objectivesRam fertility is essential for sheep production, influenced by genetic, physiological, behavioral, and environmental factors. This narrative review synthesizes findings from over 190 peer-reviewed publications to evaluate the phenotypic indicators, genetic architecture, molecular candidates, and management conditions influencing testicular development, semen quality, and reproductive performance in rams.

methodsA narrative synthesis of peer-reviewed studies was conducted, integrating findings from quantitative genetics, genome-wide association studies, transcriptomics, and controlled environmental and management experiments. Emphasis was placed on studies evaluating fertility-related traits across breeds, ages, and production systems.

resultsRecent genomic and transcriptomic studies have identified potential biomarkers (e.g.,

conclusionImproving ram fertility will require an approach that prioritizes phenotypic traits supported by candidate genes identified through transcriptomic analyses and GWASs. Integrating these genetic tools together with cost-effective nutritional and hormonal management strategies can further improve semen quality, libido, and testicular traits, thereby enhancing fertility gains while maintaining sheep breed adaptability across production systems.

Indexed as

FertilityAnimalsBreedingGenome-Wide Association StudyMaleSemen AnalysisSheepbreedingcandidate genesmanagementram fertilityscrotal circumferencesheep

Identifiers

PMID41751594
PMCPMC12940677

What OpenQuestion holds

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LicenceCC BY
Read underepoch 390

Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.