Detection of species-specific genetic markers in farm animals by RFLP analysis of cytochrome b gene

Abstract

RFLP analysis was used on several meat sources to identify the species. It might be important to evaluate a method to identify different meat species. We tested Buffalo, Cattle, Goat and Sheep to enforce labeling regulation in the authentication of each of them. In this study, the presence of restriction sites on the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) products has been used for the specific identification of the four different meat species. The cytochrome b encoding gene (359 bp) as a part of the mt-DNA was amplified. The digestion of the PCR products using Anil and Hae III gave specific restriction profiles that allowed a direct identification of farm animal species in raw and heat-treated meat samples. The results showed that RFLP analysis provided with a rapid and effective method to detect meat species and could be easily used for meat identification and authentication.