Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) fingerprints for identification of red meat animal species.

The random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) method was used to generate fingerprint patterns for 10 meat species: wild boar, pig, horse, buffalo, beef, venison, dog, cat, rabbit and kangaroo. A total of 29 10-nucleotide primers, with GC contents ranging from 50-80%, were evaluated for their specificity and efficiency. The fingerprint patterns that were generated were found in some cases to be species-specific, i.e. one species could be differentiated from another. The advantages and disadvantages of using RAPD-PCR for the identification of red meat species are also discussed.