Xuming Lyu , Yeping Han

Institute of Life Sciences, Jiyang Colloge of Zhejiang A&F University, Zhuji, 311800, Zhejiang, China
Author    Correspondence author
International Journal of Molecular Ecology and Conservation, 2025, Vol. 15, No. 3   
Received: 06 Apr., 2025    Accepted: 13 May, 2025    Published: 05 Jun., 2025

This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

This study examined the genomic data of wild goats and several domestic goat breeds, taking into account their classification and domestication history. The functions of the core genome and the variable genome were described, and their value in the study of goat evolution and domestication was discussed. The research results show that the core genome stably supports basic life functions, while the variable genome carries many sequence changes related to environmental adaptation and human selection. These changes include gene loss and structural variations formed during domestication, as well as adaptive genes that adapt to different ecological environments. Pan-genome analysis highlights the role of genomic structural changes in the formation of domesticated traits, providing a new perspective for the genetic diversity and breeding potential of goats. This study also compared the pan-genomes of goats with those of other livestock such as pigs, cattle and sheep, thereby providing broader insights into cross-species evolution. At the same time, the technical limitations and future directions of pan-genome research were also discussed, including the use and protection methods of multi-omics data. The goat pan-genome not only enhances the understanding of goat history and adaptability, but also provides useful genetic tools for the breeding and conservation of endangered populations.

Goat (Capra hircus); Pan-genome; Core genome; Variable genome; Domestication; Environmental adaptation