Effects of CSN1S1 and CSN3 casein gene polymorphisms on milk protein composition, milk production, and curd yield of water buffaloes

Abstract

The influence of polymorphisms in CSN1S1 and CSN3 genes on composition and individual casein (CN) proteins of milk, milk production, and curd yield of Murrah buffalo cows was evaluated. Higher amounts of the individual casein proteins αS1-CNB and κ-CNX2 in milk were observed in animals with the CT and CC alleles, respectively. Milk from animals with the CT allele showed higher levels of fat, total dry extract (TDE), and milk urea nitrogen (MUN) than those from animals with the CC allele. Murrah buffalo cows with genotypic combinations of AACC and AGCT of CSN1S1 and CSN3 were associated with higher milk and curd yields. In addition, the CSN3 gene alleles (CC and CT) are responsible for the higher curd yield in cheese making, which is associated with a higher content of casein κ-CNX1, κ-CNX2, αS1-CNB, and fat.