Use of bovine single nucleotide polymorphism markers to verify sample tracking in beef processing.
OBJECTIVE
To determine whether a selected set of 20 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers derived from beef cattle populations can be used to verify sample tracking in a commercial slaughter facility that processes primarily market (ie, culled) dairy cows.


METHODS
Prospective, blinded validation study.


METHODS
165 cows and 3 bulls from 18 states (82% Holstein, 8% other dairy breeds, and 10% beef breeds).


METHODS
Blood was collected by venipuncture from randomly chosen animals just prior to slaughter. The purported corresponding liver samples were collected during beef processing, and genotype profiles were obtained for each sample.


RESULTS
On the basis of SNP allele frequencies in these cattle, the mean probability that 2 randomly selected individuals would possess identical genotypes at all 20 loci was 4.3 x 10(-8). Thus, the chance of a coincidental genotype match between 2 animals was 1 in 23 million. Genotype profiles confirmed appropriate matching for 152 of the 168 (90.5%) purported blood-liver sample pairs and revealed mismatching for 16 (9.5%) pairs. For the 16 mismatched sample pairs, 33% to 76% of the 20 SNP genotypes did not match (mean, 52%). Discordance that could be attributed to genotyping error was estimated to be < 1% on the basis of results for split samples.


CONCLUSIONS
Results suggest that this selected set of 20 bovine SNP markers is sufficiently informative to verify accuracy of sample tracking in slaughter plants that process beef or dairy cattle. These or similar SNP markers may facilitate high-throughput, DNA-based, traceback programs designed to detect drug residues in tissues, control of animal diseases, and enhance food safety.
Heaton
Michael P
MP
USDA, Agricultural Research Service, US Meat Animal Research Center, State Spur 18D, PO Box 166, Clay Center, NE 68933-0166, USA.
Keen
James E
JE
Clawson
Michael L
ML
Harhay
Gregory P
GP
Bauer
Nathan
N
Shultz
Craig
C
Green
Benedict T
BT
Durso
Lisa
L
Chitko-McKown
Carol G
CG
Laegreid
William W
WW
D000823:Animal Identification Systems / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards / Q000662:veterinary*; D000818:Animals; D001483:Base Sequence; D002417:Cattle / Q000235:genetics*; D004247:DNA / Q000097:blood / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics / Q000302:isolation & purification; D005260:Female; D005525:Food-Processing Industry / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards; D005787:Gene Frequency; D005819:Genetic Markers / Q000235:genetics; D005838:Genotype; D008099:Liver / Q000737:chemistry; D008297:Male; D008460:Meat; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction / Q000662:veterinary; D020641:Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide; D011446:Prospective Studies; D017422:Sequence Analysis, DNA / Q000662:veterinary
D005819:Genetic Markers; D004247:DNA