Abstract: Microsatellite nucleotide repeat sequences present in DNA isolated from a biological sample are used to determine the origin of a biological sample by a process including the steps of isolating nucleic acid from a biological sample, determining the interspersion pattern of repeats of a nucleotide sequence selected from the group consisting of di-, tri-, and tetra- microsatellite nucleotide repeat sequences in the DNA, and comparing the determined interspersion pattern with known interspersion patterns of the nucleotide sequence in selected mammalian species.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an isolated oligonucleotide having a nucleotide sequence which includes a sequence corresponding to SEQ ID NO:1, or which includes a sequence complementary to the sequence corresponding to SEQ ID NO:1. Methods for differentiating and/or identifying canine chromosomes using the isolated oligonucleotide are also provided. The invention further provides a method for differentiating and/or identifying canine chromosomes using a labeled repetitive probe, wherein the labeled repetitive probe is hybridized to canine chromosomes and the resulting hybrids are detected fluorescently. In one embodiment, the DNA sequence of the repetitive probe is provided in the recombinant plasmid designated pCfBE013/BH.