Archaeologists have discovered the perfectly mummified remains of a sheep from over 1,600 years ago.
Sheep
The remains were discovered down a salt mine in Iran, with the salt acting as a natural preservative for the DNA and the remains of the animal.
The research team was led by experts from Trinity College Dublin and they hope that the findings help to further the understanding of human and animal practices from thousands of years ago.
Dr. Kevin G Daly, from Trinity's School of Genetics and Microbiology, said: "Using cross-disciplinary approaches we can learn about what ancient cultures valued in animals.
"This study shows us that the people of Sasanian-era (approx 200-600 AD) Iran may have managed flocks of sheep specialised for meat consumption, suggesting well-developed husbandry practices."