title: Detection of meat species using TaqMan real-time PCR assays.
abstract: Species-specific real-time PCR (TaqMan) assays were developed for detection of beef, pork, lamb, chicken and turkey. Assays were developed around small (amplicons <150 base pairs) regions of the mitochondrial cytochrome b (cytb) gene. Speciation was achieved using species-specific primers. For detection purposes, two TaqMan probes were developed; the first was specific to the mammalian species (beef, lamb and pork), the second to the poultry species (chicken and turkey). Normal end-point TaqMan PCR conditions were applied; however, PCR was limited to 30 cycles. Applying the assays to DNA extracts from raw meat admixtures, it was possible to detect each species when spiked in any other species at a 0.5% level. The absolute level of detection, for each species, was not determined; however, experimentally determined limits for beef, lamb and turkey were below 0.1%.
authors: Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Campden & Chorleywood Food Research Association, Station Road, Chipping Campden, Gloucestershire, GL55 6LD, UK.
authors: John J
authors: JJ
authors: Dooley
authors: Kelly E
authors: KE
authors: Paine
authors: Stephen D
authors: SD
authors: Garrett
authors: Helen M
authors: HM
authors: Brown