CSI: Cows

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Gauchos in La Plata are cracking down on cow thieves by utilizing a new genetic testing technique.  Lax controls and the sheer scale of Argentina’s free-range cattle industry has facilitated a surge in theft.  Seven years ago, police responded by creating a database of 10,000 genetic samples which has since helped solve more than 270 cases of cow thievery.  Products like steaks and sausages are used as evidence and tested for DNA.  The Genetic Veterinary Institute compares the samples to it’s bank of hair, blood or flesh and the cases can be resolved.  Before the database it was difficult to prove rustling, but now technology has clearly prevailed.

Via: The LA Times

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