Data from: Ancient DNA provides new insight into the maternal lineages and domestication of Chinese donkeys

Background: The donkey (Equus asinus) is an important domestic animal that
provides a reliable source of protein and method of transportation for
many human populations. However, the process of domestication and the
dispersal routes of the Chinese donkey are still unclear, as donkey
remains are sparse in the archaeological record and often confused with
horse remains. To explore the maternal origins and dispersal route of
Chinese donkeys, both mitochondrial DNA D-loop and cytochrome b gene
fragments of 21 suspected donkey remains from four archaeological sites in
China were amplified and sequenced.Results: Molecular methods of species
identification show that 17 specimens were donkeys and three samples had
the maternal genetic signature of horses. One sample that dates to about
20,000 years before present failed to amplify. In this study, the
phylogenetic analysis reveals that ancient Chinese donkeys have high
mitochondrial DNA diversity and two distinct mitochondrial maternal
lineages, known as the Somali and Nubian lineages. These results indicate
that the maternal origin of Chinese domestic donkeys was probably related
to the African wild ass, which includes the Nubian wild ass (Equus
africanus africanus) and the Somali wild ass (Equus africanus
somaliensis). Combined with historical records, the results of this study
implied that domestic donkeys spread into west and north China before the
emergence of the Han dynasty. The number of Chinese domestic donkeys had
increased primarily to meet demand for the expansion of trade, and they
were likely used as commodities or for shipping goods along the Silk Road
during the Tang Dynasty, when the Silk Road reached its golden age.
Conclusions: This study is the first to provide valuable ancient animal
DNA evidence for early trade between African and Asian populations. The
ancient DNA analysis of Chinese donkeys also sheds light on the dynamic
process of the maternal origin, domestication, and dispersal route of
ancient Chinese donkeys.