Distribution of the Beta-Casein Gene Variants in Three Cattle Breeds Reared in Benin

The beta-casein gene is one of the most functional genetic candidate that affect milk quality and composition traits. Among its variants, the A1/A2 are the most common. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify the distribution of the Beta-casein gene variants (A1/A2) in three different cattle breeds in order to determine which of the breed produce a better milk for consumers’ health. 152 blood samples which comprises 72 (Muturu), 40 (Azawak) and 40 Girolando were used to carry out this study. Genomic DNA was extracted from the blood samples and each variant was subsequently amplified from the extracted DNA samples using an Allele-Specific PCR technique and then confirmed by running the PCR products on 1% agarose gel. The result showed that there were three genotypes (A1A1, A2A1 and A2A2) in the three breeds. The average percentage genotypic frequencies obtained from this study were 42.76%, 31.58% and 25.66% respectively for A1A1, A1A2 and A2A2 genotypes while the percentage allelic frequencies were 58% and 42% respectively for A1 and A2 allele. The genetic parameters of Azawak breed were higher than that of the other breeds, what implies that there was a higher polymorphism and genetic diversity in the Azawak breed in the beta-casein gene compare to the other breeds. The A2 beta-casein variant in milk has been found to be desirable for milk consumer’s health and nutrition. This study therefore showed that the Azawak breed provides a good potential for increasing this favorable allele through appropriate breeding techniques of cattle.

Allele and genotype frequency for milk beta-casein in dairy cattle in the northern region of Tocantins State, Brazil

At present, there is a concern about the quality of milk and diseases related to its consumption, as it can generate discomfort and allergic reactions in some individuals due to its protein components. Thus, the present study was developed to identify the allele and genotype frequencies of genes for β casein, A1 and A2, in dairy herds in the region of Araguaína-TO, Brazil. Genetic material from 421 animals (crossbred dairy cattle in lactation) was used. All animals were numbered for identification, and DNA samples were extracted from hair bulbs. Samples for two markers from the polymorphic regions were characterized and confirmed by real time PCR using the ABI Prism® 7500 Sequence Detection System (Applied Biosystems). Allele and genotype frequencies were determined using the TaqMan™ detection system, where the primer and probe release different fluorescence signals for each allele of the polymorphism. The sampled herd showed frequencies of 28.27% for the A1 allele and 71.73% for the A2 allele. Genotype frequencies were 52.96% (223/421) for A2A2; 37.53% (158/421) for the A1A2 genotype; and 9.50% (40/421) for the A1A1 genotype. The frequency of the A1 allele for β-casein in dairy herds from the northern region of Tocantins was low and is per the results of previous studies. Although the A2A2 genotype of β-casein had a high relative frequency, the A1A2 genotype is still rather frequent, warranting greater selection pressure.

The Moo’D Study: protocol for a randomised controlled trial of A2 beta-casein only versus conventional dairy products in women with low mood

Background Beta-casein is a major protein in cow’s milk, of which A1 and A2 are the most frequent variants. Recent evidence implicates A1 beta-casein consumption in mechanisms that are of potential importance to mental health, yet its possible effects on psychological endpoints remains unknown. The primary aim of the study is to evaluate the comparative effects of consumption of dairy products containing A2 beta-casein versus conventional dairy (i.e. containing both A1 and A2 beta-casein) on symptoms of psychological distress in women with low mood. Methods ‘The Moo’D Study’ is a 16-week, superiority, 1:1 parallel group, triple-blinded, randomised controlled trial. Ninety women with low mood (Patient Health Questionnaire score ≥ 5) will be randomised to consume either A2 beta-casein only or conventional dairy products. The primary outcome, symptoms of psychological distress, will be measured by the 21-item Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale. Secondary outcomes will include symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress, severity of low mood, cognition, gut microbiota composition, gut symptomatology, markers of immune function, gut inflammation, systemic metabolites, endothelial integrity and oxidative stress, body composition, perceived wellbeing, sleep, quality of life, resource use and cost-effectiveness. Discussion This study will advance our understanding of the possible impact of milk proteins on psychological distress in women as well as elucidate mechanisms underpinning any association. Given dairy products form a substantial component of traditional and Western diets, the implications of these findings are likely to be of clinical and public health importance. Trial registration The trial protocol has been prospectively registered with the Australia and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry, ACTRN12618002023235. Registered on 17 December 2018.

The Global Scenario of A1, A2 β-Casein Variant in Cattle and its Impact on Human Health

Beta casein (β-casein) has gained considerable interest among scientists and farmers as it provides promising factors to milk that enhance its quality and concentration. It is believed that the A1 β-casein variant shares an association with numerous human diseases. Since there are numerous hypotheses concerning the link between variants of β-casein and human diseases, many researchers across the globe have genotyped the cattle in terms of A1, A2 β-casein variants. This paper catalogs the A1 and A2 β-casein genotypes shared by different cattle breeds across the globe. Various literature encompassing the adverse effects of β-casein variants were assessed adequately. This paper suggests that the effects of undertaking the A1 β-casein variant on human health are ambiguous. Adequate research providing stronger evidence is needed for understanding the effects imparted by the consumption of both A1 and A2 β-casein variants on human health.

Genotyping of “Ukrainian” water buffaloes according β-CN (A2-milk), CSN3 and βLG genes

Buffalo breeding in Ukraine is an ancient traditional branch of animal husbandry of the Crimean Tatars and Rusyns of Transcarpathia. Basically, "Ukrainian" buffaloes belong to the river buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) and are bred for dairy and meat production. Polymorphism of genes associated with dairy productivity will allow breeding buffaloes taking into account the “desired” genotypes in relation to economically useful traits. The paper dwells on studying allelic polymorphisms of beta-casein (β-CN), kappa-casein (CSN3) and beta-lactoglobulin (β-LG) genes in population of water buffaloes bred in Ukraine using PCR followed by restriction hydrolysis of the formed fragments (PCR-RFLP). Results of study of the “Ukrainian” population of water buffaloes are discussed, namely: the frequency of genotypes and alleles at the loci of beta-casein, kappa-casein and beta-lactoglobulin genes. Amplified fragment β-CN with the length of 121 bp was digested with DdeI restriction enzyme. A feature of the allelic spectrum of the beta-casein gene (β-CN) in the studied population was absence of A1 allele. All animals carried the β-CNA2A2 genotype of beta-casein gene, respectively, β-CNA2 allele frequency was 1.0. For the CSN3 gene, an amplified fragment in 273 bp was digested with HinfI restriction enzyme. A 100% predominance of animals with the most preferred homozygous CSN3BB genotype was revealed. During the β-LG gene study process, an amplified fragment with a size of 247 bp was digested with HaeIII. It has been determined that the most frequent was allele βLGA and genotype βLGAA of beta-lactoglobulin gene (0.96 and 0.92, respectively). Heterozygous β-LGAB genotype is present in 8 % of buffaloes. The research results are of interest in the field of molecular genetic analysis of the buffalo genome, which are the source of specific properties. The data obtained can be useful for preserving and increasing the genetic diversity of the “Ukrainian” population of water buffaloes, as well as for obtaining valuable products from buffaloes.

Identification of β Casein Genotypes in Indian Gir and Crossbred Exotic Cows from Mumbai Dairy Farms

Background: Collective evidence of polymorphic β-casein and associated health problems has led to the concern about milk consumption and cow breeding policies worldwide. This association has also engrossed the interest of dairy scientist and industry in evaluation of β casein genotype distribution. With increasing proportion of exotic and crossbred cows in India it is worth while to screen cattle for A1A2 β casein and enhance indigenous cow breeds. Methods: The present study intended to identify β casein genotypes in pure Indian Gir cows and crossbred Holstein and jersey cows from three local dairy farms. We analysed β casein genotypes by PCR-RFLP method in total 95 cows during the period of 2017-2019. Result: All the indigenous Gir cows had fixed A2 allele whereas crossbred Jersey and Holstein Frisian both had A1A2 as the most common genotype (frequency: 0.473 and 0.6 respectively) followed by A2A2 (Frequency 0.368 and 0.333 respectively) and A1A1 (Frequency 0.158 and 0.066 respectively). The results show that in this study group Gir, a native Indian breed has fixed A2 β casein variant whereas crossbred Jersey and Holstein Frisian have A1A2 as a most common genotype. Screening of cattle for â casein genotypes is vital to monitor the frequency of A1 beta casein in native Indian cow breeds.

Wheat Fusarium Protease Specificity and Effect on Dough Properties

Fusarium infection is a worldwide agricultural problem of billion dollar proportions globally, and it has increasingly threatened entire regional food supplies. In addition to the toxin deoxynivalenol (DON), Fusarium species express digestive enzymes that degrade starch and protein, affecting the quality of infected grains, especially wheat processing performance which depends largely on gluten proteins. In this study, the impact of Fusarium protease on the functionality of Canada Western Red Spring (CWRS) wheat was assessed by adding Fusarium-damaged kernels (FDK) to a FDK-free base wheat sample. Digestion of beta-casein by extracts of flours, milled from sound and FDK-spiked wheat samples, demonstrated elevated cleavage in FDK-spiked flour extracts as follows: N-terminal to lysine (eight-fold), N- and C-terminal to isoleucine (four-fold and three-fold, respectively), N-terminal to tyrosine (three-fold) and C-terminal to arginine at P1′ (five-fold). Comparison of abbreviated (45 min) and standard (135 min) extensigraph test results indicated that desirable increases in dough resistance to extension (Rmax) due to gluten re-polymerization after longer resting were partially to completely counteracted in FDK-spiked flours in a dose-dependent manner. Baking tests confirmed that while loaf volume is similar, proofed dough from FDK-spiked samples caused detectable loaf collapse at 3% FDK. Extensigraph Rmax and Fusarium protease levels were inversely related, and effected by both the extent and severity of infection. While the current FDK tolerances for grading Canadian wheat can effectively control protease damage, prevalence of deoxynivalenol (DON) weak- and non-producing Fusarium strains/species (e.g., F. avenaceum) in some growing regions must be considered to protect functionality if grading is solely based on DON content.