Abstract :
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
