Specific PCR, amplifying a fragment of the mitochondrially encoded cytochromeb gene, are developed for discrimination of chicken, turkey, pig, cow and sheep. These PCR tests could be applied for detection and discrimination of animal food ingredients. For origin identification of milk, the bovine PCR is applied on DNA extracted with the DNeasy™ Tissue kit. A PCR of 30 cycles reached a sensitivity of 720 somatic cells in the PCR reaction corresponding to 2·9 × 104 cells per ml milk. A PCR of 40 cycles could detect 0·72 to 0·144 somatic cells in the PCR reaction corresponding to 29 to 2·9 cells per ml milk.