Characterization of the complete mitochondrial genome sequence of Ujumuqin sheep (Ovis aries)

Abstract

Sheep is one of the most important and widespread domestic animals. Nevertheless, the origins of most sheep breeds are poorly understood, specifically the fat-tailed sheep that maternally originates from a specific group. Here, we reported the whole mitochondrial DNA of Ujumuqin sheep (Ovis aries), derived from one of the oldest fat-tailed sheep breed-Mongolian sheep in China. It harbors 2 ribosomal RNA genes, 13 protein-coding genes, 22 transfer RNA genes, and a D-Loop region. The mitogenome is 16 617 bp in length, with a homology of 50% between the mitogenome of Ujumuqin sheep and that of Texel sheep. The unveiling of the mitochondrial DNA sequence of Ujumuqin sheep will have a significant role to play in the further studies on sheep evolution and domestication.

Keywords:

• Fat-tailed sheep
• mitogenome
• Ovis aries
• Ujumuqin sheep

Declaration of interest

The authors report that they have no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper. This study was supported by the Chinese Domestic Animal Germplasm Resources Infrastructure.