Ancient DNA provides new insight into the maternal lineages and domestication of Chinese donkeys.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The donkey (Equus asinus) is an important domestic animal that provides a reliable source of protein and method of transportation for many human populations. However, the process of domestication and the dispersal routes of the Chinese donkey are still unclear, as donkey remains are sparse in the archaeological record and often confused with horse remains. To explore the maternal origins and dispersal route of Chinese donkeys, both mitochondrial DNA D-loop and cytochrome b gene fragments of 21 suspected donkey remains from four archaeological sites in China were amplified and sequenced.

Results

Molecular methods of species identification show that 17 specimens were donkeys and three samples had the maternal genetic signature of horses. One sample that dates to abo

SUBMITTER: Han L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4263014 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature