Forensic Application of Repetitive DNA Markers to the Species Identification of Animal Tissues

Highly repetitive DNA markers have been used for determining the species origin of animal tissues in cases of illegal commercialization and poaching of game animals. This approach has been used in cases involving white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus), moose (Alces alces) and black bear (Ursus americanus). Digesting the DNA with various restriction enzymes, agarose electrophoresis and staining with ethidium bromide revealed unique banding patterns for each species. These patterns have been used to distinguish meat from game animal species from commercial sources of meat and organs. Data are presented from two Ontario court cases that demonstrate the application of the procedure.