Background
Six proteins in milk are responsible for about 90 percent of the proteins present in milk (Alfa S1 casein, Alfa S2 casein, Beta casein, Kappa casein, Alpha lactalbumin and Beta lactoglobulin). Four of these are caseins, two of them are whey-proteins. Of these, milk consists roughly 30 percent of Beta casein. During milk production, the casein proteins interact with calcium to form soluble complexes. This process is essential in the process of cheese-making. The amount of caseins in milk is directly linked to the amount of cheese. Until today, two variants have been shown in Alfa S1 casein the B variant is the most common in Holstein cattle. Cows which are homozygous for the B variant have a higher milk yield when compared to the C variant. In addition, the B variant of Kappa casein has been linked to an increased yield of protein, and the concentration of caseins in milk. An important whey-component in milk is Beta lactoglobulin. The B variant of Beta lactoglobulin is associated with an increased amount of casein in milk, which is beneficiary to cheese-making. At the same time, the A variant has a positive effect on the milk yield. The variants in Beta casein are associated with human diseases such as asthma en autism. For humans who consume milk containing a specific variant of Beta casein, the symptoms of their disease may be reduced.
Test specific information
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Age
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Throughput
Normally the result can be expected within 25 working days. This turn-around-time starts when both the sample and the fully filled-out and signed submission form have been received.
Location of disease or trait
Milk is present in the udder.
Breed dependence
For this test samples from all breeds are accepted.
Sample type
For this DNA test we accept the following materials: Hair, Semen, Blood EDTA, Blood Heparin, Tissue. Please contact PharmaDNA if you wish to submit other material as listed.
Result
Milk quality is based on many genetic factors. For each factor, a separate test result will be returned.
Inheritance
Various genetic factors influencing milk quality are inherited in a dominant or recessive mode. Milk quality is influenced by a large number of genetic factors.
Severity of Disease
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