Study on Complete Mitochondrial Genome of Oula Sheep (Ovis aries)

Mitochondrial genome has been widely used in species identification and gene conservation. In the present study, the complete mitochondrial genome of Oula sheep (Ovis aries ) was determined using next-generation sequencing. This genome was 16618 bp (NCBI accession number: KU575248) and contained 13 protein coding genes, 22 transfer RNA genes, two ribosomal RNA genes, and a typical control region. The overall nucleotide composition was 33.7％ A, 27.4％ T, 25.8％ C, and 13.1％ G, with a total A+T content of 61.1％. The phylogenetic analysis of selected sheep breeds showed that Oula sheep were clustered within branch A and originated from approximately 6 ka. This mitochondrial genome will provide valuable information for molecular genetic research of Oula sheep.