Abstract
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.
Highlights
Cattle production is an important component of the gross domestic product (GDP) of Benin as a country
Ne of Azawak breed were the highest (Table 2), this implies that the polymorphism and genetic diversity of the Azawak breed were higher compare with the Muturu and Girolando breeds
The Beta-casein gene has over the years been associated with milk production, milk composition, milk quality, cheese production as well as curd production
Summary
Cattle production is an important component of the gross domestic product (GDP) of Benin as a country. Bovine milk is a nutrient-rich liquid food which serves as a source of high-quality protein and minerals such as calcium, magnesium and phosphorus (Hanusová et al, 2010). Due to their nutritional properties, milk proteins are considered as one of the most valuable components of the human diet. Variants A1 and A2 are the most important and common variants in dairy cattle breeds (Massella et al, 2017). They differ in amino acid position 67 with histidine (CAT) in A1 and jas.ccsenet.org
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
