Topic Editors

Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of Ministry of Education, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225000, China
Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro Bioresources, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
Gene-Marker Laboratory, Faculty of Agricultural and Life Sciences, Lincoln University, Lincoln 7647, New Zealand

Advances in Molecular Genetics and Breeding of Cattle, Sheep, and Goats

Abstract submission deadline
30 September 2025
Manuscript submission deadline
30 November 2025
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684

Topic Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Topic aims to bring together cutting-edge research and reviews focusing on the molecular mechanisms underlying genetic traits and breeding innovations in ruminants. Rapid advancements in genomic technologies, including next-generation sequencing, CRISPR-Cas genome editing, and transcriptomics, have revolutionized our understanding of genetic diversity and its application in selective breeding programs. This Topic invites original research and comprehensive reviews that delve into genomic selection, functional gene annotation, epigenetics, and the integration of multi-omics data to enhance the productivity, disease resistance, and adaptability of cattle, sheep, and goats. Contributions addressing challenges such as improving genome assembly quality, identifying novel quantitative trait loci (QTLs), and optimizing breeding strategies for sustainable agriculture are highly encouraged. By fostering dialogue and innovation, this collection aims to advance precision breeding and promote sustainable practices in ruminant production systems.

Dr. Xiukai Cao
Dr. Hui Li
Dr. Huitong Zhou
Topic Editors

Keywords

  • genomic selection
  • GWAS
  • breeding strategies
  • genomics
  • epigenetics
  • omics
  • genetic variations
  • functional genes
  • non-coding RNA

Participating Journals

Journal Name Impact Factor CiteScore Launched Year First Decision (median) APC
Animals
animals
2.7 4.9 2011 16.1 Days CHF 2400 Submit
Current Issues in Molecular Biology
cimb
2.8 2.9 1999 15.8 Days CHF 2200 Submit
Genes
genes
2.8 5.2 2010 14.9 Days CHF 2600 Submit
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
ijms
4.9 8.1 2000 16.8 Days CHF 2900 Submit
DNA
dna
- - 2021 23.3 Days CHF 1000 Submit

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Published Papers (2 papers)

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16 pages, 3592 KiB  
Article
Multi-Omics Analysis Revealed the Molecular Mechanisms Affecting Average Daily Gain in Cattle
by Mingjuan Gu, Hongyu Jiang, Fengying Ma, Shuai Li, Yaqiang Guo, Lin Zhu, Caixia Shi, Risu Na, Yu Wang and Wenguang Zhang
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(5), 2343; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26052343 - 6 Mar 2025
Viewed by 109
Abstract
The average daily gain (ADG) is a critical index for evaluating growth rates in cattle and is closely linked to the economic benefits of the cattle industry. Heredity is one of the factors affecting the daily gain of cattle. However, the molecular mechanisms [...] Read more.
The average daily gain (ADG) is a critical index for evaluating growth rates in cattle and is closely linked to the economic benefits of the cattle industry. Heredity is one of the factors affecting the daily gain of cattle. However, the molecular mechanisms regulating ADG remain incompletely understood. This study aimed to systematically unravel the molecular mechanisms underlying the divergence in ADG between high average daily gain (HADG) and low average daily gain (LADG) Angus cattle through integrated multi-omics analyses (microbiome, metabolome, and transcriptome), hypothesizing that the gut microbiota–host gene–metabolism axis is a key regulatory network driving ADG divergence. Thirty Angus cattle were classified according to their HADG and LADG. Fecal and serum samples were collected for 16S, fecal metabolome, and blood transcriptome analysis. The results showed that compared with the LADG group, the abundance of Firmicutes increased in the HADG group, while the abundance of Bacteroidetes and Proteobacteria decreased. Metabolomics and transcriptomic analysis revealed that KEGG pathways associated with differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and differentially abundant metabolites (DAMs) were enriched in bile acid metabolism. Spearman correlation analysis showed that Oscillospira was positively correlated with ZBTB20 and negatively correlated with RADIL. ZBTB20 was negatively correlated with dgA-11_gut_group. This study analyzed the regulatory mechanism of average daily gain of beef cattle from genetic, metabolic, and microbial levels, providing a theoretical basis for analyzing the mechanism of differential daily gain of beef cattle, and has important significance for improving the production performance of beef cattle. The multi-omics network provides biomarker foundations for machine learning-based ADG prediction models, offering potential applications in precision breeding. While these biomarkers show promise for precision breeding, their causal roles require further validation. The conclusions are derived from a single breed (Angus) and gender (castrated males). Future studies should include females and diverse breeds to assess generalizability. Full article
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13 pages, 2313 KiB  
Article
EPAS1 Variations and Hematological Adaptations to High-Altitude Hypoxia in Indigenous Goats in Yunnan Province, China
by Li Zhu, Lin Tang, Yunong Zhao, Shanshan Li, Xiao Gou, Weidong Deng and Xiaoyan Kong
Animals 2025, 15(5), 695; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15050695 - 27 Feb 2025
Viewed by 151
Abstract
The EPAS1 gene plays a central role in hypoxia adaptation in high-altitude animals. Using over 400 blood samples from goats across elevations in Yunnan (500–3500 m), this study examined hematological traits, genetic polymorphisms, and protein structure. Red blood cell (RBC) and hemoglobin (HGB) [...] Read more.
The EPAS1 gene plays a central role in hypoxia adaptation in high-altitude animals. Using over 400 blood samples from goats across elevations in Yunnan (500–3500 m), this study examined hematological traits, genetic polymorphisms, and protein structure. Red blood cell (RBC) and hemoglobin (HGB) levels increased significantly with altitude (p < 0.05), reflecting improved oxygen transport. A non-synonymous SNP (g.86650 A>T, p.Gln556Leu) exhibited adaptive selection, with the T allele frequency rising at higher altitudes (p < 0.05). At 2500 m, TT genotype goats showed significantly higher RBC and HGB levels than AA genotypes (p < 0.05). Protein modeling revealed structural instability caused by the polymorphism, highlighting its role in enhancing hypoxia adaptation. These findings provide a foundation for improving high-altitude livestock genetics. Full article
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