Use of DNA Barcoding Combined with PCR-SFLP to Authenticate Species in Bison Meat Products

American bison (<i>Bison bison</i>) meat is susceptible to species mislabeling due to its high value and similar appearance to meat from domestic cattle (<i>Bos taurus</i>). DNA barcoding is commonly used to identify animal species. However, as a result of the historical hybr...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Zerika M. Scales, Elif Narbay, Rosalee S. Hellberg
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2021-02-01
Series:Foods
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2304-8158/10/2/347
Description
Summary:American bison (<i>Bison bison</i>) meat is susceptible to species mislabeling due to its high value and similar appearance to meat from domestic cattle (<i>Bos taurus</i>). DNA barcoding is commonly used to identify animal species. However, as a result of the historical hybridization of American bison and domestic cattle, additional genetic testing is required for species confirmation. The objective of this study was to perform a market survey of bison meat products and verify the species using DNA barcoding combined with polymerase chain reaction-satellite fragment length polymorphism (PCR-SFLP). Bison products (<i>n</i> = 45) were purchased from a variety of retailers. Samples that were positive for domestic cattle with DNA barcoding were further analyzed with PCR-SFLP. DNA barcoding identified bison in 41 products, red deer (<i>Cervus elaphus</i>) in one product, and domestic cattle in three products. PCR-SFLP confirmed the identification of domestic cattle in two samples, while the third sample was identified as bison with ancestral cattle DNA. Overall, mislabeling was detected in 3 of the 45 samples (6.7%). This study revealed that additional DNA testing of species that have undergone historical hybridization provides improved identification results compared to DNA barcoding alone.
ISSN:2304-8158