Abstract
Using high-throughput sequencing technology, the complete mitochondrial genome of Awassi-Jo breed (Ovis aries) was decoded. Mitochondrial genome was 16,617 bp in length. The genome contained 37 genes (13 protein-coding, 22 tRNA, and 2 rRNA) and a control region (D-loop region). The genes were encoded on the H-strand, except for the ND6 gene and 8 tRNA genes, which were encoded on the L-strand. The GC content is 38.9%. Phylogenetic analysis was performed to compare Awassi-Jo with other sheep breeds. The phylogenetic tree showed that Awassi-Jo diverged earlier than related breeds (Turkey, Italy, Germany, and Netherland) with a common ancestor in haplogroup HB. The results revealed the importance of mitochondrial data in studying sheep evolution and domestication.