Differentiation of cattle and buffalo meat using multiplex polymerase chain reaction

Authentication of origin of animal species is of paramount importance owing to economic, social, religious, forensic and public health considerations. In the present study, a multiplex polymerase chain reaction (mPCR) was developed by designing unique species-specific forward and a common reverse primers flanking mitochondrial D-loop region for the authentication of cattle (Bos indicus / B. taurus) and buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) species. Novel mPCR amplified 382 bp product specific to cattle and 336 bp specific to buffalo. Possibility of cross amplification in other species was rules out by testing as many as 25 other animal species. The novel mPCR assay developed in this study for the authentic identification and differentiation of meats of cattle and buffalo could be applied for the differentiation of samples derived from cattle and buffalo in diagnostic laboratories thereby ensuring prompt labelling of products, protecting consumer sentiments and enforcement of laws.