Identification and phylogenetic analysis of the complete mitochondrial genome of Fuzhong buffalo (Artiodactyla: Bovidae)

Fuzhong buffalo (Bubalus bubalis Linnaeus, 1758 breed Fuzhong, FB) is one of the famous indigenous breeds of buffalo in China. It is the first time that the complete mitochondrial genome sequence of the FB was reported. The total length of the mtDNA is 16,363 bp, It contains the typical structure, including 22 transfer RNA genes, two ribosomal RNA genes, 13 protein-coding genes and one non-coding control region (D-loop region). The overall composition of the mtDNA was estimated to be 32.98% for A, 26.34% for T, 26.70% for C and 13.98% for G. Phylogenetic analyses using N-J computational algorithms showed that the analyzed 19 ruminantia species are divided into four major clades: Bovidae, Cervidae, Giraffidae and Atilocapridae. In addition, our work confirmed that FB and Murrah buffalo (MB) have a close genetic relationship with fellow tribal members Nili-Ravi buffalo and Mediterranean buffalo. Meanwhile, we also found that FB and MB have a highly similar genetic relationship.