Real-time PCR detection and identification of prohibited mammalian and avian material in animal feeds.

A method for the detection and identification of "prohibited" mammalian or avian material in animal feed was developed and assessed through the analysis of DNA. A generic real-time PCR assay was designed to detect the presence of mammalian and avian mitochondrial DNA 16S rRNA genes in animal feed samples. Samples positive with this screening method were further investigated using identification assays to detect the 16S rRNA gene from bovine, ovine, porcine, and avian species and to determine whether the DNA originated from species whose material is prohibited from inclusion in farmed animal feed.