The first genome assembly for a mammalian genome was described in the year 2000 upon release of the human genome draft

This draft was far from complete, and in the ensuing 20 years incremental improvements have been made to the public assembly. In spring 2022, a group of researchers reported the first truly complete, telomere to telomere (T2T) assembly that featured an unbroken sequence with no gaps or uncertain sequences. Associated analyses revealed the scope of information that had been previously missed using less complete versions of the human genome, including addition of thousands of previously undescribed genes. Subsequent unpublished reports have demonstrated the value of comparative analysis between closely related species. The ruminant group of organisms, that includes cattle, sheep, and goat as well as a variety of deer and antelope species, is of interest for agricultural as well as evolutionary reasons. We believe that comparisons between complete genomes of ruminant species will inform our understanding of their evolution, shed light on genomic consequences of domestication, and enhance understanding of functional roles of all of the DNA in the genome. The workshop is intended to provide a platform for the human T2T research community to transfer knowledge and expertise in a focused forum beyond that possible in less focused scientific conferences.