A family of PCR assays is disclosed for determining, both qualitatively
and quantitatively, presence of material from a predetermined species
source and for quantifying the amount of such material. The assays are
based respectively on SINEs uniquely characteristic of pig species, cow
species, chicken species, and ruminant sub-order, and having a high copy
number. The assays disclosed permit rapid, inexpensive evaluation of meat
samples to facilitate elimination from their diet of pork or beef by
persons desiring to avoid such food sources; as well as the assay of
cattle feed to determine presence therein of ruminant-source proteins,
which are a potential source of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE),
commonly referred to as "mad cow disease." The assays amplify the
predetermined unique SINEs and the resulting amplified mixture is then
evaluated qualitatively by electrophoresis on gel containing ethidium
bromide or quantitatively by SYBR Green-based detection or TaqMan
chemistry. The invention also extends to kits, primers, and other
products used in connection with the assays. The amplicons are selected
to be from about 100 to 170 bp long.
