Abstract
The origin of domestic donkeys in China has been controversial. To clarify the origin of Chinese domestic donkeys, we investigated the partial mitochondrial D-loop sequences of 126 samples from 12 native breeds. The results revealed two mitochondrial origins, lineage Somali and lineage Nubian of African wild ass detected in Chinese domestic donkeys. Lineage Somali was predominant in Chinese domestic donkey breeds. The pattern of genetic variation in ass mtDNA D-loop sequences indicated that the two lineages Somali and Nubian from China had undergone population expansion events. In a combined analysis of lineages Somali and Nubian between previously published sequences from other countries/regions and sequences of Chinese domestic donkeys, the results indicated that the two lineages of Chinese domestic donkeys were from Africa and supported the African maternal origins of Chinese domestic donkeys. There was no obvious geographical structure in Chinese domestic donkey breeds, but the population showed abundant mtDNA diversity. The spread routes of Chinese domestic donkeys were also discussed.
Highlights
To date, little is known about the origin and genetic diversity of domestic donkeys in China
In a combined analysis of lineages Somali and Nubian between previously published sequences from other countries/regions and sequences of Chinese domestic donkeys, the results indicated that the two lineages of Chinese domestic donkeys were from Africa and supported the African maternal origins of Chinese domestic donkeys
This study presents the first substantial analysis of Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) diversity in Chinese donkeys and provides information about the origins and genetic structure of donkey breeds, and insights into their genetic history and migration routes
Summary
Little is known about the origin and genetic diversity of domestic donkeys in China. Received September 1, 2006; Accepted November 27, 2006 regions of China, the regions of fast developed Many breeds, such as famous Guanzhong donkey, are in the conservation status for their genetic resources. Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) D-loop (control region) sequences have been extensively used to investigate the origin and diversification of modern domestic donkey, cattle and goats populations (Ivankovic et al, 2002; Jeon et al., 2005; Odahara et al, 2006; Sasazaki et al, 2006; Liu et al., 2007). Ivankovic et al (2002) were the first to investigate the mtDNA D-loop genetic diversity of Croatial donkey populations and found three haplotype groups, which constituted two primitive maternal lineages.
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