On Jun. 15, 2015, UAlberta scientists announced first whole genome sequence of bighorn sheep. With advances in DNA sequencing technology and computer processing, the process is now efficient and cost-effective enough to be useful in obtaining whole genome sequences of wildlife species, like bighorn sheep.

Constructing a whole genome sequence of the bighorn sheep will also help by providing a reference for new studies, which may make it possible to connect specific pieces of DNA with traits of interest-for example, to discover whether there is a gene responsible for the bighorn’s large horns.

This opens new avenues of research such as using genomics to plan conservation and management actions for at-risk species. As a game species, the trophy status of a bighorn sheep ram is based largely on horn size. Because the rams with the largest horns are often the ones targeted by hunters, their removal from a population could then eliminate the genetic ability of animals in that population to grow large horns. The findings were published in BMC Genomics.