The complete mitochondrial genome of the Zhijiang duck and its phylogenetic analyses

Zhijiang duck (ZJ) is one of the famous indigenous breed of Hunan province in China. The complete mitochondrial genome sequence plays an important role in the accurate determination of phylogenetic relationships among metazoans. It is the first time that the complete mitochondrial genome sequence of the ZJ was reported. The total length of the mtDNA is 16,604 bp. It contains the typical structure, including 22 transfer RNA genes, 2 ribosomal RNA genes, 13 protein-coding genes, and 1 non-coding control region (D-loop region). The overall composition of the mtDNA was estimated to be 29.22% for A, 22.20% for T, 32.82% for C, and 15.77% for G. Phylogenetic analyses using N-J computational algorithms showed that the analyzed 20 Anseriform species are divided into four major clades: Anatinae, Anserinae, Dendrocygninae, and Anseranatidae. In addition, our work confirmed that ZJ and Anas poecilorhyncha have a close genetic relationship with fellow tribal members Linwu duck and Youxian duck. Meanwhile, we also found that ZJ and A. poecilorhyncha have highly similar genetic relationship. This work will provides an important data set for the study in the genetic mechanism of duck in Hunan province.