Germplasm Resource Evaluation and Genetic Breeding of Sheep and Goats

Dear Colleagues,

Sheep and goats are vital livestock species worldwide, being a source of meat, milk, fiber, and hides for humans. With the growing global population and climate change challenges, enhancing their genetic potential, adaptability, disease resistance, and productivity has become crucial for sustainable livestock production. Germplasm resource evaluation, gene identification and modern breeding theory are key strategies for improving breeds, optimizing production efficiency, and ensuring adaptability to changing environments. Recent advances in high-throughput sequencing, genomic selection, gene editing (e.g., CRISPR), and bioinformatics have revolutionized livestock breeding. Additionally, the characterization and conservation of global genetic resources are essential for maintaining biodiversity and addressing future breeding challenges.

This Special Issue aims to compile cutting-edge research on germplasm resource evaluation and genetic breeding in sheep and goats, contributing to the progress of molecular genetics, functional genomics, phenomics, and other fields of study to develop high-quality, efficient, climate-resilient breeds. This Special Issue will serve as a platform for academic and industrial exchange, fostering innovation in the genetic breeding of sheep and goats and supporting global livestock sustainability.

Dr. Huihua Wang
Dr. Hangxing Ren
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Genes is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 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.