BMC Genomic Data is calling for submissions to our Collection on animal data notes. The number of available genomic datasets has grown tremendously over the past decade. This growth has been notably accelerated by the advances in the field that now enable faster and more accurate sequencing of genomes, and at reasonable costs. Key challenges associated with this increase in datasets is ensuring they are easily found, facilitating their dissemination, and enabling easy reuse. The FAIR Guiding Principles provide important guidelines towards accomplishing this aim, but collections such as this one can also facilitate access to specific subsets of datasets.

Furthering our understanding of the genetic makeup of animal species is crucial for a multitude of applications, including conservation biology, veterinary medicine, and agriculture. The advent of single-cell RNA sequencing and similar techniques has enabled researchers to produce detailed datasets that offer insights into species diversity, evolutionary relationships, and the genetic basis of traits. For instance, the integration of omics approaches has enabled a more holistic understanding of biological processes, leading to innovations in animal breeding. For example, the identification of immune-related genes that can be targeted to enhance disease resistance in livestock. In addition, emerging applications such as the use of artificial intelligence and machine learning for data analysis, environmental metagenomics, and genomic approaches to conservation of threatened species are also areas of interest.

It is through insights like these, and by continuing to produce and share an ever-increasing body of relevant datasets, that we can hope to deepen our understanding of the world around us and how the different species inhabiting our environment interact. Furthermore, we may be able to identify traits that make certain animal populations more resilient to challenges like climate change. By working together and sharing their results, researchers can hope to tackle challenges in animal biology and ecology and help shape a healthier and more sustainable planet.

Data notes of interest include, but are not limited, to:

Comparative genomics of mammals

Advances in transcriptomics for animal research

integration of multi-omics approaches in animal studies

Genomic insights into animal health and disease

Population genetics of wild species

Epigenomic profiling in livestock

Functional annotation of animal genomes

Genomic selection in aquaculture

Genome editing technologies in veterinary science

All manuscripts submitted to this journal, including those submitted to collections and special issues, are assessed in line with our editorial policies and the journal’s peer-review process. Reviewers and editors are required to declare competing interests and can be excluded from the peer review process if a competing interest exists.

As the global population continues to increase and is expected to approach 10 billion by 2050, the world is facing unprecedented challenges such as climate change. It is estimated that global demand for animal products will increase by 70% by 2050. Increasing animal production will require a deep understanding of animal biology through genetics and genomics to feed the world's growing population. In addition, consumers demand the consumption of high-quality products.

Genetics and genomics will play a key role in increasing the efficiency of livestock production systems. In this context, high-throughput genomics technologies are currently driving significant changes in how genetic improvement is implemented in domestic animal species. These new technologies have produced an incredible amount of data. This data has been used in a wide range of scientific studies, from the development of reference genomes to the expression profiling of thousands of genes.

Current genetic and genomic selection must target animal production, product quality, reproduction, health, and welfare in such a way that a high-quality, safe, healthy, and affordable food supply is available to people around the world.

Therefore, in support of the United Nations sustainable development goal SDG 2: Zero Hunger, BMC Genomic Data invites submissions for our upcoming Collection, Genomics of livestock - Part II. This collection aims to showcase innovative research in livestock genomics. We invite researchers and experts in the field to submit original research articles and data notes that explore, but are not limited to, the following topics:

• New livestock genomes
• Omics dataset of livestock
• Comparative genomics of livestock
• Livestock genomic selection
• Livestock genome editing

All manuscripts submitted to this journal, including those submitted to collections and special issues, are assessed in line with our editorial policies and the journal’s peer-review process. Reviewers and editors are required to declare competing interests and can be excluded from the peer review process if a competing interest exists.