BETTER COWS | BETTER LIFE CRV4ALL.CO.NZ

BETA-CASEIN TYPE TEST FROM MILK VIA HERD TESTING

• Bovine Beta Casein Protein Testing Options

• Organising a test and pricing

• Breeding for A1-protein free

BOVINE BETA-CASEIN PROTEINBeta-casein typically compromises about 30% of total protein in cows’ milk. Owing to genetic variation it may be

present in milk as one of many variants in modern cattle; with A1, A2, A3, B, C and I the most prevalent variants in

Western dairy herds.

Beta-casein variants differ from one another by virtue of amino acid sequence,

this has an impact on the structure that the protein adopts and subsequently

the way it is digested. One amino acid difference at position 67 of the protein

allows the preferential production of a protein fragment termed BCM-7 from the

A1 and related variants, but not A2 nor variants that share a common structure at

this part of the protein. On this basis beta-casein can be generally divided into

either A1-type or A2-type.

The A1-type of beta-casein has been linked to intolerance type responses and

its exclusion from milk may allow people who have previously limited dairy

intake to benefit from the nutritional goodness it offers.

Further information relating to research on beta-casein variants and bioactive

fragments generated from their digestion can be found at www.betacasein.net

Evolution of the beta caseins in cow’s milk from the original A2 type

A2 beta casein protein

B C F G H1

A1 A3 E D H2 I

BETTER COWS | BETTER LIFE CRV4ALL.CO.NZ

TESTING OPTIONS

1. INDIVIDUAL BETA-CASEIN TYPE COW TEST

CRV has the ability to analyse Herd Test milk samples for

beta-casein types. This will result in a cow being classified

into one of three categories;

1. A2/A2: This phenotype will result in only A2 type

beta-casein in the milk.

2. A1/A2: This phenotype will result in an equal amount

of A1 and A2 type beta-casein in the milk.

3. A1/A1: This will result in an onlyA1 type beta-casein in

the milk.

Farmers who herd record using CRV Insight will have the

beta-casein cow test category automatically updated once

the herd test results have been analysed. The category will

be available in standard CRV Insight reporting.

Farmers who don’t herd record with CRV Insight will be

provided with a report showing the beta-casein category

for each cow.

2. BULK MILK TEST FOR BETA-CASEIN CONTENT

A bulk beta-casein test is available. This test provides

a percentage indicator as to how much A1 and A2 type

beta-casein was in the vat that the sample was taken

from. You don’t need to be Herd Testing with CRV to have

a bulk test.

Results will be presented for the detection of A1 beta-

casein type content.

A1 content in milk

LABORATORY ID SAMPLE ID A1 CONTENT

Units %Reporting limit 1

18-09538-1 ABCD 78833 55.0

A1 Content in Milk Approver:

The A2% will be 45% (100 - 55 = 45)

ORGANISING A TEST AND PRICING

INDIVIDUAL COWS

You can order an individual beta-casein cow test through

your CRV Herd Tester. If you don’t currently Herd Test

with us, we can arrange this.

The individual beta-casein cow test is an extension of

the standard TAD or OAD CRV herd testing service.

The individual milk sample will be analysed for the Fat,

Protein, Lactose and SCC and then sent for further

analysis of the beta-casein phenotype.

How much does it cost?

The individual beta-casein cow test is in addition to the

standard herd test costs.

An individual beta-casein cow test costs an additional

$27.50 per animal. A whole herd individual beta-casein

cow test costs an additional $19.90 per animal. A list of cow

numbers will need to be supplied for Individual cow tests.

< 250 cows $27.50 per cow

> 250 cows or whole herd $19.90 per cow

BULK MILK TEST FOR A1 TYPE BETA-CASEIN CONTENT

Bulk Testing can be arranged by your CRV Field

Consultant. A submission form needs completing. You will

be charged at the time the request is received. Results will

be received seven working days post testing via email.

How much does it cost?

A bulk test costs $250.

SIRE A2A2

DAM

A2A2 100% A2A2 Produce 100% A1 Protein free milk

A1A250% A2A2

50% A1A2 Produce 50% milk containing A1 Protein free milk

A1A1 100% A1A2

BETTER COWS | BETTER LIFE CRV4ALL.CO.NZ

CAN I BREED FOR BETA CASEIN TYPE?

CAN COWS BE BREED FOR A2/A2? YES, THEY CAN.

By using A2/A2 sires the herd will over time have more

and more A2/A2 cows. However, A1 type genes are very

likely to persist in the herd, but at a reducing incidence,

for many generations.

See the table below

IS THERE ANY WAY TO FIND OUT IF A CALF IS A2/A2?

Yes, through DNA testing. DNA test your calf to determine

the beta-casein genotype. Keeping as many replacement

A2/A2 calves will speed up the conversion to a full A2

type beta-casein herd. Later this year we will be able to

provide DNA tissue analysis including sire verification and

individual gene testing options and the beta-casein gene.

Disclaimer

A range of intellectual property is registered or under application around the production, sale and use of A1-free milk products. The provision of this test and results does not provide access to any intellectual property rights owned by various third parties independent of CRV Ambreed.