🐶 Researchers at the University of Georgia have pinpointed DNA variants near the MSRB3 gene that determine ear length in dogs, analyzing over 3,000 canines, wolves, and coyotes.

🧬 This study, published in Scientific Reports, found that while MSRB3 influences whether ears are pointy or droopy, an additional DNA sequence combination dictates whether they are short or long.

🔬 The findings are the first to identify the genetic basis of canine ear size and could help breeders develop genetic tests to reduce the frequency of undesirable alleles linked to diseases.

#DogGenetics #Science #UGA