Mitochondrial DNA variations in Japanese farmed emu populations

The emu (Dromaius novaehollandiae) is a new poultry. In this study, we investigated the haplotype composition of mitochondrial DNA among emu populations farmed in Japan. We sequenced the D-loop region in 109 individuals, and detected four substitution sites and three haplotypes (Hap-a, -b, and -c). Hap-a was the most frequently observed haplotype in the Japanese populations. Although Hap-c was a rare haplotype in not only Japanese but also Australian populations, it was detected with high frequency in the Japanese farmed population. The AMOVA indicated that 9% of total variance was “among population”. The F(ST) value was 0.087 and genetic differentiation was significant (P<0.01). These results may contribute to conserving the genetic resources available for the Japanese emu industry.