Complete mitochondrial DNA genome of the Indian Chhattisgarh duck and its phylogenetic analysis

The Chhattisgarh duck (Anas platyrhynchos L., 1758) is a native Indian germplasm that provides crucial support for the local food security and livelihoods in the eastern region of India. For sustainable use, preservation and conservation, it is crucial to understand its genetic identity and relationships with other breeds of duck. This study focuses on the identification of mitochondrial genome sequence of Chhattisgarh duck. The complete genome of the Chhattisgarh duck is 16,604-bp long, with 37 genes arranged in the same order and on the same strands as those in other species and breeds of Anas. Phylogenetic analysis shows that the Chhattisgarh duck is the sister to a group comprising multiple Mallard breeds and the Maithili breed as sister group, within a structure (((('Mallard' + Maithili) + Chhattisgarh) + Bengal) + Bihar), in which Bihar is the sister to all other known breeds of A. platyrhynchos. The germplasm of Maithili, Chhattisgarh, Bengal, and Bihar ducks are phenotypically as well as phylogenetically distinctive. This study shows the importance of identification and conservation of native Indian duck germplasm.