Companion Animal Genetics

Dear Colleagues,

The small number of foundation breeding stocks, strict selection of males and females at each generation, popular sire effect and effects of linebreeding and inbreeding have led not only to the development of homogenous domestic breeds, but also to an increasing number of animals affected by inherited diseases, especially recessive diseases.

In the last 20 years, the study of dogs and cats has benefited from the progress of genomic tools (SNP arrays, whole-genome association studies, exome and whole-genome sequencing) and resources (genome sequences). Meanwhile, genomes from other companion animals (e.g., rabbits, rodents, ferrets, birds) have also been sequenced, paving the way for successful gene and mutation characterization in these species. Mutation identifications allow the development of DNA tests. These tests are used by breeders and veterinarians to select breeding stocks and improve animal health and welfare.

For this Special Issue, original manuscripts covering all aspects of morbid or interest inherited traits in companion animal (e.g., dogs, cats, ferrets, rabbits, guinea pigs, birds, horses), are invited, including phenotypic and genetic description (inheritance pattern), identification of new genes and mutations, genotype–phenotype correlation and in-depth characterization of known mutations. Morbid traits will be preferred but interest traits are welcome, including morphological traits, coat (feather) color and texture.

We invite original research papers on companion animal genetics, including molecular characterization of morbid or interest traits, association or linkage studies, whole-genome or exome sequencing assays and genotype–phenotype correlation studies that address the genetic or biological mechanisms underlying Mendelian or complex (quantitative) traits, to give insight into the etiology and impact of genetic disorder or interest traits so as to explore opportunities for health and welfare improvement in companion animals.

Prof. Marie Abitbol
Dr. Lucie Chevallier
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.