Subfamily Caprinae Research Articles

Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae in farmed whitetailed deer

Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae is an infectious cause of respiratory disease, previously assumed to cause disease only in members of the subfamily Caprinae (sheep, goats, muskox). This bacteri­um has sporadically been isolated from other species, including captive white-tailed deer (WTD); however, little is known about the incidence or significance of M. ovipneumoniae in this spe­cies. Chronic respiratory disease is a common problem in captive WTD, and due to the fastidious nature of M. ovipneumoniae, in­fections with this bacterium may be overlooked as a contributing factor. The objective of this study is to characterize the incidence of M. ovipneumoniae infection and its association with respira­tory disease in an intensively managed captive WTD herd. Ad­ditionally, future multi-locus and full genome sequence analyses will elucidate relatedness between M. ovipneumoniae isolates from WTD and other species.

Evolution of Endogenous Retroviruses in the Subfamily of Caprinae.

The interest in endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) has been fueled by their impact on the evolution of the host genome. In this study, we used multiple pipelines to conduct a de novo exploration and annotation of ERVs in 13 species of the Caprinae subfamily. Through analyses of sequence identity, structural organization, and phylogeny, we defined 28 ERV groups within Caprinae, including 19 gamma retrovirus groups and 9 beta retrovirus groups. Notably, we identified four recent and potentially active groups prevalent in the Caprinae genomes. Additionally, our investigation revealed that most long noncoding genes (lncRNA) and protein-coding genes (PC) contain ERV-derived sequences. Specifically, we observed that ERV-derived sequences were present in approximately 75% of protein-coding genes and 81% of lncRNA genes in sheep. Similarly, in goats, ERV-derived sequences were found in approximately 74% of protein-coding genes and 75% of lncRNA genes. Our findings lead to the conclusion that the majority of ERVs in the Caprinae genomes can be categorized as fossils, representing remnants of past retroviral infections that have become permanently integrated into the genomes. Nevertheless, the identification of the Cap_ERV_20, Cap_ERV_21, Cap_ERV_24, and Cap_ERV_25 groups indicates the presence of relatively recent and potentially active ERVs in these genomes. These particular groups may contribute to the ongoing evolution of the Caprinae genome. The identification of putatively active ERVs in the Caprinae genomes raises the possibility of harnessing them for future genetic marker development.

Chromosome-level genome provides insight into the evolution and conservation of the threatened goral (Naemorhedus goral).

Gorals Naemorhedus resemble both goats and antelopes, which prompts much debate about the intragenus species delimitation and phylogenetic status of the genus Naemorhedus within the subfamily Caprinae. Their evolution is believed to be linked to the uplift of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (QTP). To better understand its phylogenetics, the genetic information is worth being resolved. Based on a sample from the eastern margin of QTP, we constructed the first reference genome for Himalayan goral Naemorhedus goral, using PacBio long-read sequencing and Hi-C technology. The 2.59 Gb assembled genome had a contig N50 of 3.70Mb and scaffold N50 of 106.66Mb, which anchored onto 28 pseudo chromosomes. A total of 20,145 protein-coding genes were predicted in the assembled genome, of which 99.93% were functionally annotated. Phylogenetically, the goral was closely related to muskox on the mitochondrial genome level and nested into the takin-muskox clade on the genome tree, rather than other so-called goat-antelopes. The cladogenetic event among muskox, takin and goral occurred sequentially during the late Miocene (~ 11 - 5 Mya), when the QTP experienced a third dramatic uplift with consequent profound changes in climate and environment. Several chromosome fusions and translocations were observed between goral and takin/muskox. The expanded gene families in the goral genome were mainly related to the metabolism of drugs and diseases, so as the positive selected genes. The Ne of goral continued to decrease since ~ 1 Mya during the Pleistocene with active glaciations. The high-quality goral genome provides insights into the evolution and valuable information for the conservation of this threatened group.

Mountain ungulate mating systems: patterns and processes

ABSTRACTMountain ungulates of the subfamily Caprinae, including wild sheep, goats and goat‐antelopes, show remarkable interspecific diversity in habitat preferences, social organisation and morphological features. We review how this diversity relates to their mating behaviour.After introducing the ecology of mating systems and the evolution of the Caprinae, we investigate the pairwise, sequential relationships between habitat preferences, social behaviour, level of polygyny, and morphological features, and discuss the ecological processes underlying the patterns of mate monopolisation and acquisition.From forest‐dwelling, solitary, monogamous and monomorphic goat‐antelopes, to highly dimorphic, polygynous and social wild sheep and goats inhabiting open landscapes, mountain ungulates reveal a close relationship between habitat openness and sexual dimorphism, through the level of sociality and that of mate monopolisation.Although over the last few decades some information has been collected on the biology of Caprinae, our understanding of determinants of their mating systems is still hampered by limited data to estimate opportunities for sexual selection, as well as uncertainties over the occurrence and maintenance of alternative reproductive tactics, and lack of information on female mate choice.The study of mating systems and that of the factors influencing them play a key role from an evolutionary and conservation standpoint. This is relevant to the Caprinae, whose main habitat is expected to be strongly affected by the ongoing climatic change, with potential effects on the phenology of their mating systems, and whose economic value is relevant for consumptive and nonconsumptive uses. A better understanding of the diversity and ecology of mating systems will require a wealth of additional field observations on male and female behaviour, as well as genetic assessments of reproductive success.

The Study of Mechanical Behaviors of Caprinae Horn Sheath under Pendulum Impact.

As a light-weight natural keratin biocomposite, Bovidae horn exhibits high mechanical properties and energy absorption. Different to the widely studied horn from subfamily Bovinae and Antilocapridae, few studies have focused on the horn sheath of subfamily Caprinae. In this work, three Caprinae horn sheathes from Cashmere goat, White goat and Black sheep were selected. Charpy pendulum impact tests were performed, and the fracture characteristics were evaluated. It was demonstrated that water plays an important role in acquiring balanced dynamic mechanical properties in all Caprinae horn sheaths. The hydrated keratin provides large plastic deformation capacity and further gives rise to a gradual generation of micro-cracks. Multi-scale structure including wavy-shaped interface, scattered voids and hierarchical micro-fibre were observed. Such a structure induced complex fracture mechanisms, such as delamination, 90° crack deflection and fibre pull-out, which were probably influenced by interfacial strength. The results are expected to endow the research and thinking of Bovidae horn.

Chromosome-level genome assembly for takin (Budorcas taxicolor) provides insights into its taxonomic status and genetic diversity.

The takin (Budorcas taxicolor) is one of the largest bovid herbivores in the subfamily Caprinae. The takin is at high risk of extinction, but its taxonomic status and genetic diversity remain unclear. In this study, we constructed the first reference genome of Bu. taxicolor using PacBio long High-Fidelity reads and Hi-C technology. The assembled genome is ~2.95Gb with a contig N50 of 68.05Mb, which were anchored onto 25+XY chromosomes. We found that the takin was more closely related to muskox than to other Caprinae species. Compared to the common ancestral karyotype of bovidae (2n=60), we found the takin (2n=52) experienced four chromosome fusions and one large translocation. Furthermore, we resequenced nine golden takins from the main distribution area, the Qinling Mountains, and identified 3.3million single nucleotide polymorphisms. The genetic diversity of takin was very low (θπ=0.00028 and heterozygosity=0.00038), among the lowest detected in domestic and wild mammals. Takin genomes showed a high inbreeding coefficient (FROH=0.217), suggesting severe inbreeding depression. The demographic history showed that the effective population size of takins declined significantly from ~100,000years ago. Our results provide valuable information for protection of takins and insights into their evolution.

Draft Genome Assembly of an Iconic Arctic Species: Muskox (Ovibos moschatus).

Muskoxen (Ovibos moschatus) are Arctic species within the Caprinae subfamily that are economically and culturally significant to northern Indigenous communities. Low genetic diversity from repeated genetic bottlenecks, coupled with the effects of Arctic warming (e.g., heat stress, changing forage, pathogen range expansions), present conservation concerns for this species. Reference genome assemblies enhance our ecological and evolutionary understanding of species (which in turn aid conservation efforts). Herein, we provide a full draft reference genome of muskox using Illumina Hiseq data and cross-species scaffolding. The final reference assembly yielded a genome of 2,621,890,883 bp in length, a scaffold N50 of ~13.2 million, and an annotation identifying ~19.3 k genes. The muskox genome assembly and annotation were then used to reconstruct a phylogenetic tree which estimated muskoxen diverged from other ungulate species~12 Mya. To gain insight into the demographic history of muskoxen we also performed pairwise sequentially Markovian coalescent (PSMC) that identified two population bottlenecks coinciding with major glaciation events contributing to the notoriously low genetic variation observed in muskoxen. Overall, this genome assembly provides a foundation for future population genomic studies, such as latitudinal analyses, to explore the capacity of muskoxen to adapt to rapidly changing environments.

LABORATORY CONCORDANCE STUDY FOR THE MOLECULAR DETECTION OF MYCOPLASMA OVIPNEUMONIAE.

As part of a respiratory pathogen survey of Alaska wildlife, we conducted a concordance study to assess Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae detection among three different PCR assays using a total of 346 nasal swabs sampled from four species (Dall's sheep, Ovis dalli dalli; mountain goats, Oreamnos americanus; caribou, Rangifer tarandus granti; and moose, Alces alces gigas), and two taxonomic subfamilies (Bovidae subfamily Caprinae and Cervidae subfamily Capreolinae). A federal research laboratory performed two PCR assays (LM40 and intergenic spacer region [IGS]), and a state diagnostic laboratory performed the third (universal Mycoplasma [UM]). Overall concordance was good, ranging from 93% to 99%, which was probably a result of low detection rate of M. ovipneumoniae. Due to differences in positive agreement, the quality of concordance between LM40 and both IGS and UM was considered fair. However, the quality of concordance between IGS and UM was excellent. All three PCR methods detected M. ovipneumoniae in a non-Caprinae species (caribou), and the LM40-PCR assay also detected M. ovipneumoniae in additional Caprinae species. The LM40-PCR assay detected M. ovipneumoniae in a larger number of samples than did the other two assays (IGS, UM). Because of potential differences in detection rates, it is critical to consider test parameters when evaluating a host population for the presence of M. ovipneumoniae.

Analysis of gut microbiota in three species belonging to different genera (Hemitragus, Pseudois, and Ovis) from the subfamily Caprinae in the absence of environmental variance.

This study aimed to identify the effects of host species on the gut microbial flora in three species (Hemitragus jemlahicus, Pseudois nayaur, and Ovis orientalis) from the subfamily Caprinae, by excluding the impact of environment factors. We investigated the differences in intestinal flora of three species belonging to Caprinae, which were raised in identical conditions. Fecal samples were collected from tahr, mouflon, and bharal, and the V3–V4 region of the 16S ribosomal RNA gene was analyzed by high‐throughput sequencing. The analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences reveals that fecal samples were mainly composed of four phyla: Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Spirochaetes, and Proteobacteria. The most abundant phyla included Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes accounting for >90% of the bacteria, and a higher Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio was observed in tahrs. Moreover, significant differences existed at multiple levels of classifications in the relative abundance of intestinal flora, differing greatly between species. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene indicated that mouflon is closely related to bharal, and it is inconsistent with previous reports in the species evolutionary relationships. In this study, we demonstrated that the gut microbiota in tahr had a stronger ability to absorb and store energy from the diet compared with mouflon and bharal, and the characteristics of host–microbiome interactions were not significant.

Genetic integrity and individual identification-based population size estimate of the endangered long-tailed goral, Naemorhedus caudatus from Seoraksan National Park in South Korea, based on a non-invasive genetic approach

ABSTRACT The long-tailed goral (also called the Amur goral) Naemorhedus caudatus (subfamily Caprinae), a vulnerable and protected species designated by IUCN and CITES, has sharply been declining in the population size and is now becoming critically endangered in South Korea. This species has been conserved as a natural monument by the Korean Cultural Heritage Administration since 1968. In this study, using 78 fecal DNA samples with a non-invasive genetic approach, we assessed the genetic integrity and individual identification-based population size for the goral population from Seoraksan National Park representing the largest wild population in Korea. Using the successfully isolated 38 fecal DNA, phylogeographic and population genetic analyses were performed with mitochondrial DNA control region (CR) sequences and nine microsatellite loci. We found seven CR haplotypes, of which five were unique to the Seoraksan population, considering previously determined haplotypes in Korean populations. The Seoraksan population showed higher haplotype diversity (0.777 ± 0.062) and mean number of alleles (4.67 ± 1.563) relative to southern populations in Korea reported from previous studies, with no signal of a population bottleneck. Microsatellite-based individual identification estimate based on probability of identity (PID) indicated a population size of ≥30 in this population. Altogether, we suggest that for future management efforts of this species in the Seoraksan National Park, conserving its genetic integrity as an ‘endemic’ lineage, and curbing a decrease in its number through mitigating habitat destruction might be key to secure the population for the long term.

Long-Term Isotope Evidence on the Diet and Habitat Breadth of Pleistocene to Holocene Caprines in Thailand: Implications for the Extirpation and Conservation of Himalayan Gorals

Three taxa within the subfamily Caprinae (Himalayan goral Naemorhedus goral, Chinese goral Naemorhedus griseus, and Sumatran serow Capricornis sumatraensis) live in the mountainous upland forests of Southeast Asia, where they are considered as vulnerable or near threatened species. Co-occurrences between these two recognized genera have been documented from some Pleistocene fossil sites in Thailand, suggesting more widely overlapping distribution in the past than today. However, diet and habitat preferences of these Pleistocene and present-day coexisting species have rarely been investigated so far. For the past three decades, stable carbon and oxygen isotope analyses become more commonplace in ecological investigations, allowing us to explore the diets and habitats of ancient and extant animals as well as to reconstruct environmental conditions in the past. Here we reconstructed diets and habitats of these taxa from five fossil sites in Thailand during the past 400,000 years (from the Middle Pleistocene to the Early Holocene) and from some modern wildlife, using the isotopic analysis of carbonate in tooth enamel in order to test species co-occurrence patterns during the Pleistocene and to examine possible changes of their niche breadths over evolutionary time. Our carbon isotope analysis revealed remarkably different ecological patterns between Naemorhedus and Capricornis. The Pleistocene Sumatran serow has been a greater generalist than both the Himalayan and Chinese gorals that fed on pure C4 or mixed C3 and C4 plants restricted to an open landscape habitat, and than its extant population that occupies a closed-canopy forest. This suggests that the habitat contraction of the modern wildlife is likely due to the Holocene climate change and the human impacts on Thai ecosystems. In addition to the loss or reduction of grasslands after the latest Pleistocene when rainforests became dominant and besides the human hunting and predation pressure, the high interspecific competition likely contributed to the extirpation of Himalayan gorals in Thailand. Developing a strategic plan for the future biodiversity conservation, a long-term historical isotope approach we implemented allowed us to predict the contrasting habitat suitability, a lowland grassland, for these two threatened goral species as testified by their ecological persistence during the Pleistocene.

Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae Associated with Polymicrobial Pneumonia in a Free-Ranging Yearling Barren Ground Caribou (Rangifer tarandus granti) from Alaska, USA

Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae has been reported in association with respiratory disease in the wild only in members of the subfamily Caprinae of the family Bovidae. We identified M. ovipneumoniae in a cervid: a free-ranging barren ground caribou (Rangifer tarandus granti) yearling with polymicrobial bronchopneumonia.

The complete mitochondrial genome of a blue sheep (Pseudois nayaur szechuanensis) from Gongga mountains of Sichuan, China

The blue sheep (Pseudois nayaur) belongs to the subfamily Caprinae. Here, we report the complete mitochondrial genome of a blue sheep subspecies (Pseudois nayaur szechuanensis) from Gongga Mountains of Sichuan, China. The genome (GenBank accession number MH719216) has a length of 16,664 bp and exhibits the typical structure of mammalian mitochondrial genomes. Phylogenetically, the newly generated mitochondrial genome is nested within the genus Pseudois group and formed a strongly supported (100% bootstrap) sister lineage to the previously reported P. n. szechuanensis (GenBank accession number, KJ784494). These results provide more molecular data for the genetic diversity conservation of this rare species.

Goatpox outbreak at a high altitude goat farm of Mizoram: possibility of wild life spill over to domestic goat population.

In this study, pox-like outbreaks in goat population was investigated that occurred in a high altitude goat farm located in Mizoram, a hilly state of North eastern India. The outbreak initially involved the serows, an wild animal belonging to the family Bovidae, subfamily Caprinae and genus Capricornis, the state animal of Mizoram. Later, the disease affected the domestic goat population. The disease was diagnosed on the basis of gross lesions and PCR amplification of partial P32 gene of capripox virus. The virus was isolated in vero cells. The full length P32 gene was sequenced and phylogenetic tree was constructed. It was revealed that the capripox virus isolated from the outbreak was closely related to the Chinese strain of goatpox virus at both amino acid and nucleotide level. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report on isolation and characterization of capripoxvirus from north eastern region of India.

Морфологическая и молекулярная характеристика некоторых видов нематод семейства Protostrongylidae Leiper, 1926

Objective of research: conducting morphological and molecular-genetic identification and studying phylogenetic relations between protostrongylids. Materials and methods: helminthological material was collected from wild (Capra sibirica, C. falconeri, Ovis vignei and O. ammon) and domestic hollow horned ruminants (C. hircus and O. aries), and land mollusks of the family Xeropicta in the piedmont and mountain area of Uzbekisan. The morphology of protostrongylids was studied using the methods of Boev (1975) and Anderson (1978). To identify the nematode type we used temporary preparations treated with glycerol. The first-stage larvae were investigated by examination of fecal samples from animals taking into account the length, tail form and body size. To study the morphology of the third-stage protostrongylid larvae the feet of infected mollusks Xeropicta candaсharica were separated and placed into the artificial gastric juice where the cap was destroyed and the infected larvae were eliminated. After determination of species belonging of mature and larval nematodes the material was stored in separate test-tubes with distilled water under the low temperature (- 20 ºС) or in 70 % Ethanol for the molecular analysis. We used microscopes ML 2000 with a digital camera and Olympus CX3. DNA extraction, amplification and sequencing were performed with an automated sequencer. Phylogenetic analysis was conducted using the software Clustal X 2.0. Phylogenetic trees were created by the Neighbor–Joining method. Nucleotide sequences ITS-2 regions of species Protostrongylus rufescens (EU018485), P. shiozawai (AB478249), Ortostrongylus macrotis (EU018483), Cystocaulus ocreatus (EU018481) and Umingmakstrongylus pallikuukensis (AY648409) received from the NCBI GenBank were used in phylogenetic analysis. Results and discussion: Four species of adult protostrongylid nematodes: Protostrongylus rufescens, P. hobmaieri, Spiculocaulus leuckarti and Cystocaulus ocreatus were determined. DNA from four species of mature protostrongylids and larvae was amplified by using ITS-2 regions. Amplificate dimension of nematodes P. rufescens and P. hobmaieri was 380 base pairs (b.p.), S. leuckarti – 388, C. ocreatus – 399 b.p. According to the results of phylogenetic analysis and comparison of nucleotide sequences, five protostrongylid species were found in animals of the Caprinae subfamily: P. rufescens, P. hobmaieri, Protostrongylus sp., S. leuckarti and C. ocreatus. The morphological and molecular-genetic analysis of detected nematodes enables the precise identification.

Potential of cross-species microsatellite markers to assess population genetics of the endemic, endangered Nilgiri tahr (Nilgiritragus hylocrius)

Nilgiri tahr, the only wild representative of the Caprinae subfamily in Southern India, is endangered due to population decline, decreasing range size and limited geographical distribution, which together with habitat loss and fragmentation, further reduce its long-term viability. Planning conservation and management strategies to rehabilitate the species will require information on its population status and genetics. With an objective to assess the population genetics of Nilgiri tahr, we identified a panel of polymorphic microsatellite markers that amplify across the Caprinae species. We screened 50 pellet samples collected from four herds belonging to the largest remnant population of Nilgiri tahr in Eravikulam National Park, with 19 microsatellite markers, of which 17 polymorphic markers were selected for further tests. We observed varied levels of polymorphism (2–8 alleles) and heterozygosity (0.0476–0.8421). Probability of identity for individuals was 0.0018 at 10 loci and for siblings was 0.0062 at 13 loci, signifying the usefulness of these markers to study wild herds. Overall, observed and expected heterozygosities were H o = 0.4280 ± 0.2376 and H e = 0.4464 ± 0.2265, respectively, and the F IS value was 0.0138 (p = 0.63). Our results validate the use of cross-species markers in wild populations of Nilgiri tahr to identify individuals and determine genetic diversity, which can be further used to understand population dynamics of this species.

Complete mitochondrial genome of the Himalayan serow (Capricornis thar) and its phylogenetic status within the genus Capricornis

The genus Capricornis (Caprinae, Bovidae) includes six species, i.e., Capriconis sumatraensis, Capricornis swinhoei, Capricornis crispus, Capricornis rubidus, Capricornis milneedwardsii and Capricornis thar. Based on morphological, anatomical and physiological evidence, the Himalayan serow (C. thar), which is distributed in the mountain regions of the Tibetan Plateau and adjacent areas, is generally classified as a species of the genus Capricornis. However, considering the lack of molecular phylogenetic evidence, a heated controversy still exists over the taxonomic position of the Himalayan serow. To determine the phylogenetic status of C. thar, we sequenced the complete mitochondrial genome (mtDNA) of one Himalayan serow using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique. Then, we constructed a molecular phylogenetic tree of the genus Capricornis and its related species in the Caprinae subfamily based on maximum likelihood and Bayesian interference methods. The results reflect that the structural characteristics, nucleotide content and codon usage bias of the mitochondrial genome of the Himalayan serow were similar to those of other serows. A phylogenetic analysis using two rRNA genes and 12 encoded protein-coding genes indicated that C. thar is clustered within the C. milneedwardsii clade, which is a sister group of C. sumatraensis. The present study provides useful information about the evolution of the Himalayan serow, which will be essential for conservation genetic studies.

The complete mitochondrial genome sequence of the Himalayan goral, Naemorhedus goral (Cetartiodactyla: Caprinae)

The Himalayan goral (Naemorhedus goral) belongs to the subfamily Caprinae, which is distributed across the Himalayas including Bhutan, northern India including Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh, Nepal, southern Tibet, and possibly western Myanmar. In this study, the complete mitochondrial genome of N. goral was sequenced. The mitogenome was 16 533 bp in length, consisting of 13 protein-coding genes, 22 transfer RNA (tRNA) genes, 2 ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes, and a non-coding control region. As in other mammals, most mitochondrial genes are encoded on the heavy strand, except for ND6 and eight tRNA genes which are encoded on the light strand. The overall base composition of the N. goral is 33.7% A, 27.2% T, 26.0% C, and 13.1% G. Phylogenetic analysis based on the mitogenome sequences using the Bayesian inferences method showed that Naemorhedus and Capricornis formed a monophyletic group and the N. goral was closely related to N. griseus. We expect that the present results will facilitate further investigation of the phylogenetic relationships and population genetics of genus Naemorhedus.

Cross-Reactivity of Neutralizing Antibodies among Malignant Catarrhal Fever Viruses

Some members of the gamma herpesvirus genus Macavirus are maintained in nature as subclinical infections in well-adapted ungulate hosts. Transmission of these viruses to poorly adapted hosts, such as American bison and cattle, can result in the frequently fatal disease malignant catarrhal fever (MCF). Based on phylogenetic analysis, the MCF viruses (MCFV) cluster into two subgroups corresponding to the reservoir hosts’ subfamilies: Alcelaphinae/Hippotraginae and Caprinae. Antibody cross-reactivity among MCFVs has been demonstrated using techniques such as enzyme linked immunosorbent and immunofluorescence assays. However, minimal information is available as to whether virus neutralizing antibodies generated against one MCFV cross react with other members of the genus. This study tested the neutralizing activity of serum and plasma from select MCFV-infected reservoir hosts against alcelaphine herpesvirus 1 (AlHV-1) and ovine herpesvirus 2 (OvHV-2). Neutralizing antibody activity against AlHV-1 was detected in samples from infected hosts in the Alcelaphinae and Hippotraginae subfamilies, but not from hosts in the Caprinae subfamily. OvHV-2 neutralizing activity was demonstrated in samples from goats (Caprinae) but not from wildebeest (Alcelaphinae). These results show that neutralizing antibody cross reactivity is present to MCFVs within a virus subgroup but not between subgroups. This information is important for diagnosing infection with MCFVs and in the development of vaccines against MCF.

The complete mitochondrial genome sequence of the wild Huoba Tibetan sheep of the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau in China

The wild Huoba Tibetan sheep belongs to the subfamily Caprinae, which distributes in Huoba Town of Tibet Autonomous Region, China. In the present work, we report the complete mitochondrial genome sequence of wild Huoba Tibetan sheep for the first time. The total length of the mitogenome is 16 621 bp, consisting of 13 protein-coding genes, 22 transfer RNA (tRNA) genes, two ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes, and a non-coding control region (D-loop region). As in other mammals, most mitochondrial genes are encoded on the heavy strand. Its overall base composition is A: 33.64%, T: 27.32%, C: 25.90%, and G: 13.14%, A + T (61.96%) was higher than G + C (39.04%). The phylogenetic relationships was analyzed using the complete mitogenome sequence, results show that wild Huoba Tibetan sheep should be a different species differ from the Ovis aries. These information provide an important data for further study on protection of genetic resources and the taxonomy of Caprinae.