Application of species-specific polymerase chain reaction assays to verify the labeling of quail (Coturnix coturnix), pheasant (Phasianus colchicus) and ostrich (Struthio camelus) in pet foods

Abstract Species-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays have been applied to verify the labeling of pet foods containing quail, pheasant, and ostrich. The method combines the use of quail, pheasant, ostrich, chicken, duck, pig and fish specific primers that amplify small fragments (amplicons