Nutritional Significance of Indigenous Cow Milk with Regard to A2 Β-casein – an Overview

Most important economic trait milk constituents include fat, protein, SNF, lactose and ash. Being rich in these components, milk is considered as one of the essential foods all over the world. Amongst the milk constituents, β-casein has gained importance and popularity in the health conscious people due to its recent health related issues. The status of A1 or A2 beta casein variants in Bos taurus cattle breeds from different countries have been shown that the presence of A1 variant in European cattle which has been linked to a range of illness. Our indigenous dairy animals produce milk containing A2 variant and India is endowed with A2 rich dairy animals since our civilizations, protecting the masses from ill effects of A1 milk. But Cross breeding program has been declining the availability of A2 milk in India. It is a matter of great concern for the public health. There is a need to crosscheck our breeding policies, so that the purity of desi breeds and their beneficial qualities can be conserved.