Genetic diversity and relationship of Dulong chickens using mitochondrial DNA control region

The genetic structure and evolutionary relationship of Dulong chicken with other native Chinese species remained unclear. In this study, the mitochondrial control region was analyzed in total of 343 samples comprising 59 from Dulong chicken and 284 from 8 other Chinese local breeds revealed 51 mutation sites that defined 42 haplotypes. The maximum genetic variation was observed between the Shimian caoke and Pengxian yellow chickens. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that these local chickens mainly scatter in two southwestern clades. Dulong chickens have close relationship with other native chicken. Finding of this study suggests a single matrilineal lineage of indigenous Dulong chickens.