PCR-Based test for identification of meat of ovine, caprine and bovine origin

Abstract

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test has been developed for qualitative differentiation of meat of ovine (Ovis aries), caprine (Capra hircus) and bovine (Bos indicus) origin. Novel primers for detection of bovine origin meat were designed to target mitochondrial D-loop region. Different sizes of the species-specific PCR products were separated by agarose gel electrophoresis for identification of all species. Sensitivity of the bovine specific primers was tested with two-fold serial dilutions of genomic DNA. Amplification was achieved with 20 ng of genomic DNA. The specificity of the developed test was cross checked with the DNA of sheep, goat and buffalo, where amplification was not observed. This test is handy for accurate identification of meat of three animal species. This test will help in preventing the mislabelling and fraudulent substitution of meat and meat product for economic gain.