Wool-fibre Identification by means of Novel Species-specific DNA Probes

Abstract

Abstract The application of molecular-biology techniques promises to provide specificity and objectivity in the identification of speciality animal-hair fibres. Before this technology can be widely applied, specific DNA probes have to be developed which can distinguish between DNA isolated from closely related species. We have constructed a sheep-specific DNA probe which does not cross-react with DNA isolated from cashmere or mohair.