SNP genotyping in sheep from northwest and east China for meat traceability
Meat traceability is essential for meat safety and to solve adulteration issues. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are commonly used as a DNA marker and provide a way to trace meat and meat products. The high resolution melting method is a relatively cheap and fast method for detecting specific SNPs. In the present study, we selected 8 SNPs from the NCBI dbSNP database and tested their feasibility in blood or meat samples from 135 sheep reared in northwestern and eastern China. The results indicated that seven SNPs were suitable for meat traceability and the probability of 2 individuals having the same genotype was 1.85 out of 1000.
Characterization of a SNPs panel for meat traceability in six cattle breeds.
Development of DNA technologies makes today possible implementation of conventional beef traceability systems with molecular methods. In the recent past, microsatellites have been the most used marker for individual assignment, however single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) is now replacing them. With the aim to provide a set of SNPs useful for bovine meat traceability we have tested 63 SNPs for the ability to identify single individuals in six European cattle breeds. Eighteen highly informative SNPs located in different genes, have been selected. By using this panel of SNPs the probability that one individual is incorrectly assigned ranges from 1.39 to 0.07 out of 1 million, depending on the breed.
Genetic traceability of livestock products: A review.
Traceability is the ability to maintain the identification of animal, or animal products, all along the production chain. It represents an essential tool to safeguard public and animal health and to valorize typical production systems. European food legislation is particularly strict and traceability systems, based on product labeling, have become mandatory in all European countries. However, the implementation of this system does not ensure consumers against fraud. Paper documents can be counterfeit so researchers have focused on the study of genetic traceability systems based on products identification through DNA analysis. In fact DNA is inalterable, detectable in every cell, resistant to heat treatments, and allows for individual, breed or species identification. Even if results are promising, these techniques are too expensive to be converted in routine tests but they could be a trusted tool for verification of suspected fraud. The present review proposes a synthesis of the major advances made in individual, breed, and species genetic identification in the last years, focusing on advantages and disadvantages and on their real future applications for animal productions.