Abstract
Although protocols and methods for genetically identifying animal species have advanced quickly in academia, their application by official Brazilian criminalistics agencies remains limited. In order to assess the viability and efficacy of DNA barcoding and mini-barcoding methods for species identification in a forensic context, 23 old, degraded, or stored improperly samples, with known identity, were selected for this study. DNA extraction, amplification, and sequencing were carried out linearly and one single time for each of the two alternative strategies. Universal barcode and mini-barcode primers for cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) gene were used, covering several groups of vertebrates. The obtained sequences were compared to those in the Barcode of Life Data System (BOLD) database. Both techniques managed to correctly identify approximately 78% (18 of 23) of samples. The correct identification rate was higher for mini-barcodes, although the techniques showed variable effectiveness according to the material analyzed. Since the equipment and most of the laboratory consumables used in this study are the same as those used for standard human identification, the results obtained contribute to showing the feasibility of implementing those techniques in the routines of Brazilian forensic laboratories.