From September 18th to 20th, the first International Symposium of Molecular Design Breeding in Animals was held in Yanling. This big event was sponsored by the China Rural Technology Development Center, and co-hosted by Northwest A& F University, Beijing Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, the University of Minnesota, and the China State Key Laboratory of Sheep Genetic Improvement and Healthy Breeding. 20 experts from China, the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Brazil and other countries and more than 150 representatives from 20 universities and research institutes in China attended the meeting.

Professor Perry Hacket, Researcher Cui Zongbin , Vice President of Northwest A&F University Chen Yulin addressing the opening ceremony 

　　Focusing on the theme of molecular design breeding in animals and its application, the conference covered the topics of future and development trend of this field, including the research progress and safety evaluation of genetically modified animals and plants, the application of genetic editing in plant breeding, livestock breeding and the construction of model animals, and the application of genetic editing in different countries. At the conference, the draft for "The Management of Genome Editing Applied into Agricultural Animals” was issued. It provides an opportunity to take good advantage of the domestic or international research achievements in genetic editing technology in animals and plants. With the high -tech in agricultural biotechnology, the refinement of laws on genetic editing breeding, the regulations on new variety approval and extension will be greatly advanced. Therefore, it is of great strategic significance to promote the development of China’s biological seed industry, and enhance the overall innovation capability of agricultural science and technology.

　　At the conference, experts from many different countries exchange ideas and experience in molecular breeding in animals, which profoundly inspired all attendees with new visions and new thoughts.