Characteristics of the complete mitochondrial genome of Douhua chicken (Gallus gallus) and phylogenetic considerations.

In the modern poultry industry, resources of native varieties have become major aspects. Douhua chicken is a medium-sized, slow-growing, and white-feathered local breed that represents a popular local chicken breed in Anhui Province, China. This breed is adaptable and exhibits important production traits and a stable inheritable characteristics, such as delicious meat and stable egg-laying performance. The present study aimed to provide a better understanding of the germplasm characteristics and phylogenetic relationships of Douhua chicken by analyzing its complete mitochondrial genome sequence and a describing its genomic composition, nucleotide composition, and gene structure. The present study provides theoretical support for the protection, development, and utilization of Douhua chicken resources. Additionally, this study provides new mitochondrial genome data to support further phylogenetic and taxonomic studies conducted on Douhua chicken.