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ARS Home » Pacific West Area » Pullman, Washington » Animal Disease Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #352299
Research Project: Identification of Host Factors and Immunopathogenesis of Pneumonia in Domestic and Bighorn Sheep

Location: Animal Disease Research

Title: Complete mitochondrial genome sequence of bighorn sheep

Author
item DAVENPORT, KIMBERLY - University Of Idaho
item DUAN, MINGRUI - University Of Idaho
item HUNTER, SAMUEL - University Of Idaho
item NEW, DAVID - University Of Idaho
item FAGNAN, MATTHEW - University Of Idaho
item Highland, Margaret
item MURDOCH, BRENDA - University Of Idaho

Submitted to: Genome Announcements
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 5/1/2018
Publication Date: 7/7/2018
Citation: Davenport, K.M., Duan, M., Hunter, S.S., New, D.D., Fagnan, M.W., Highland, M.A., Murdoch, B.M. 2018. Complete mitochondrial genome sequence of bighorn sheep. Genome Announcements. https://doi.org/10.1128/genomeA.00464-18.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1128/genomeA.00464-18

Interpretive Summary: This is a brief communication manuscript that provides the second reported mitochondrial sequence for bighorn sheep. Mitochondrial genetic sequence data provides information that is useful in understanding sheep evolution and genetic diversity within populations. Maintaining genetic diversity in wildlife species is important for survival. Reference full-length mitochondrial sequences provide a means by which to assess genetic diversity in bighorn sheep herds and is therefore a valuable conservation tool.

Technical Abstract: Bighorn sheep experienced a drastic population decline due to disease, habitat loss, and over hunting, which coincided with European settlement of the Western United States. Pre-Columbian era population estimates range vastly from several hundred thousand to two million, declining to an estimated 15,000-18,000 by the middle of the 19th century. The population has since rebounded to a 2016 estimate of 85,000, with high estimates stated to be 200,000. This population rebound has in large been due to conservation efforts and management strategies. Vast decreases in populations, such as that experienced by bighorn sheep, are associated with reduced genetic diversity and increased likelihood of inbreeding depression, which effect a population’s ability to adapt and survive. To provide a foundation for the continued management and conservation of bighorn sheep, reference genetic assessments are necessary to track changes in genetic diversity and estimation of effective population sizes. Mitochondrial genetic sequence has been used in numerous species for population genetics analyses and to discern phylogeny. A number of mitochondrial genomes are available for different breeds of domestic sheep (Ovis aries), however only one mitochondrial genome has been released for bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis) from Canada. Herein we report the mitochondrial genome of a Rocky Mountain sheep from the United States.