A highly specific PCR assay for identification of goat (Capra hircus) meat

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A highly specific single step polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is described for the detection of goat ( Capra hircus) meat. Goat-specific primers (DAF-01 and DGR-04) were designed against a conserved region of mitochondrial d-loop gene that yielded a 294 bp PCR product. Specificity of the primers was confirmed by testing them with DNA from other commonly used meat animal species, i.e., cattle, buffalo, sheep, swine and poultry. PCR amplification of target DNA with goat-specific primers was repeated 15 times, with consistent results observed. The specificity of goat-specific PCR provides a valuable tool for identification of goat meat and to avoid its fraudulent substitution and adulteration.