Analysis of mitochondrial DNA for authentication of meats from chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra), pyrenean ibex (Capra pyrenaica), and mouflon (Ovis ammon) by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism.

The prevention of fraudulent labeling of game meat constitutes an important part of food regulatory control and quality assurance systems. A polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) analysis based on mitochondrial deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) was developed for authentication of meats from chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra), pyrenean ibex (Capra pyrenaica), and mouflon (Ovis ammon). Amplification and restriction site analysis of a DNA fragment about 720 base pairs (bp) from the mitochondrial 12S rRNA gene of all analyzed species permitted the selection of Msel and Apol endonucleases for meat speciation. The 12S rRNA restriction profiles obtained allowed the unequivocal identification of chamois, pyrenean ibex, and mouflon/sheep and their differentiation from meats of domestic species such as cattle, goat, and swine. The highly variable mitochondrial D-loop gene was also targeted to attempt discrimination between mouflon and sheep meats. A D-loop region (700-1000 bp) was amplified and sequenced in all game and domestic species analyzed, and a primer set was designed for the selective amplification of a 370 bp DNA fragment from mouflon and sheep. PCR-RFLP analysis with the selected Maell enzyme generated a single electrophoretic profile characteristic for sheep, whereas 3 different fragment patterns were obtained for mouflon meats. Consequently, the PCR-RFLP technique developed can be routinely applied in inspection programs in order to verify the correct labeling of game species.