The RapidFinder™ Sheep ID Kit enables the simple and reliable detection of sheep and lamb in food and feed samples. The method works by detection of ovine, or Ovis aries, DNA by real-time PCR. Unlike ELISA based methods, when used with the GMO Extraction Kit (Cat. No. 4466336) for sample preparation, the RapidFinder™ Sheep ID Kit detects both raw and processed sheep and lamb and provides sensitivity down to 0.01% ovine DNA. The included positive control in the kit, which comprises 0.1% ovine DNA, can be used as a reference to set the threshold of detection of the assay.

• Simple-real-time PCR based assay, no electrophoresis needed
• Flexible-ovine DNA detected in any food or feed sample, both raw and processed
• Reliable-Internal Positive Control (IPC) provides process control check for PCR inhibitors
• Fast-from sample to result in the same day

How the RapidFinder™ Sheep ID Kit Works
Ovine DNA detection is accomplished by real-time PCR using the supplied primer/probe set specific for mitochondrial DNA sequence specific to Ovis aries. The target sequence, detected in the FAM™ dye channel, is not only specific for sheep, but also stable. Also included in each reaction mix is an internal positive control detected in the VIC™ dye channel, which is used to verify the absence of PCR inhibitors.

By performing a separate reaction with the included positive control, users are able to verify the system and assay are working correctly. More importantly, it enables easy data interpretation. The positive control is provided as 0.1% ovine DNA in a background of fish DNA, and by comparing sample results to the control results, a threshold of detection is provided.

The assay is compatible with Applied Biosystems™ StepOne™, StepOnePlus™, 7500, 7500 Fast, and 7300 real-time PCR systems.

Sample Preparation
DNA sample preparation for the RapidFinder™ Sheep ID Kit workflow is accomplished with the easy-to-use GMO Extraction Kit (Cat. No. 4466336). Using 10 g of sample rather than the smaller sample sizes accommodated by most other DNA isolation procedures minimizes sampling errors. The GMO Extraction Kit is compatible with raw and processed meat, as well as composite food samples.

Part of a Suite of Solutions For Meat Species Detection
The RapidFinder™ Sheep ID Kit is just one of our many available kits for the sensitive detection of various meat species in food and feed samples. Other RapidFinder™ meat species identification kits available include those for the detection of pork, beef, horse, ruminant, chicken, turkey, and poultry.

The RapidFinder™ Meat Species Identification Kits are made available through a partnership with IMEGEN (Instituto de Medicina Genomica).