A multiplex polymerase chain reaction for the identification of cows’ and goats’ milk in sheep’s milk

Abstract

Purpose or AIM: The objective of this study was to evaluate the applicability of PCR assay for detection<br><br>of cow’s and goat’s milk sold as sheep milk.<br><br>Methods and Materials or CASE: Multiplex PCR assay using species specific primers was used to identify<br><br>cows’, goats’ and sheep’s somatic cells presented in their milk. In this study 25 milk samples labeled as<br><br>\\"sheep milk\\" were purchased from different commercial sources in Mashhad city. After DNA extraction<br><br>the samples were examined by the multiplex PCR assay using primers targeting the mitochondrial 12s<br><br>and 16s rRNA gene.<br><br>RESULTS: The results showed 25% of examined milk samples were proven to be pure sheep milk. Also<br><br>25% and 50% of samples were confirmed to be mixed goat and sheep, and cow, goat and sheep milk<br><br>respectively.<br><br>DISCUSSION: In conclusion, the multiplex PCR assays used in this study can be useful for milk<br><br>inspection to detect cow’s and goat’s milk in sheep milk.