PCR-BASED IDENTIFICATION OF MEAT SPECIES USING CYTOCHROME B
1. Livestock Research and Development Station, Surezi
2. Livestock Research and Development Station, Surezi
3. University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Swat
4. Veterinary Research Institute, Peshawar
5. Veterinary Research Institute, Peshawar
6. University of Lahore, Lahore
7. Khyber Medical University Peshawar
Abstract
This study aimed to develop a PCR-based technique for the identification of meat and blood samples from major domestic animal species and wild boar using the mitochondrial Cytochrome b (Cyt b) gene. DNA was extracted from meat and blood samples following standard protocols and amplified through gradient PCR using species-specific Cyt b primers. The optimized gradient temperatures successfully amplified Cyt b across multiple species, including cattle/buffalo, goat/sheep, horse/donkey, chicken, and pig, though amplification patterns differentiated only at the genus level (e.g., horse/donkey, sheep/goat, and cattle/buffalo). The results demonstrated that gradient PCR can serve as a reliable approach for species differentiation and may be further utilized to develop multiplex PCR assays for simultaneous identification of multiple species in a single reaction. This technique provides practical utility for food authentication, wildlife monitoring, and forensic investigations.
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Received: September 24, 2026; Published: June 30, 2026
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