Unique mitochondrial DNA in highly inbred feral cattle.

ABSTRACT: The Chillingham herd of wild Northumbrian cattle remains viable despite over 300 years of in-breeding and a near-homozygous nuclear genome. Here we report the complete mitochondrial DNA sequence using ultra-deep next generation sequencing. Random population sampling of ~10% of the extant herd identified a single mtDNA haplotype harbouring a unique bovine variant present in all other higher mammals (m.11789C/Y421H) which may contribute to their survival.

SUBMITTER: Hudson G 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3485552 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature