This study was carried out to evaluate, PCR-based method, for detection of cow's milk in water
buffalo's milk. It utilized primers targeting the mitochondrial 12S rRNA gene. The detection limit of the evaluated
PCR method was 0.5% and it was determined using model samples made from buffalo's milk containing defined
percentages of cow's milk. The method was also evaluated for its applicability for inspection of 21 market milk
samples labeled "buffalo milk". Ten out of the 21 examined milk samples were proven to be pure buffalo's milk;
three samples were confirmed to be pure cow's milk while the remaining eight samples were mixed cow and
buffalo milk. In conclusion, the PCR assays evaluated in this study can be useful for milk inspection to detect
cow's milk in water buffalo milk with a detection limit of 0.5%. Also, analysis of market milk samples revealed
that adulteration of buffalo milk by mixing with cow's milk or even substitution with cow's milk is a common
practice in the dairy field.