Beta-casein makes up about 30% of the protein in cows (bovine) milk. In recent years, there has been growing interest in testing for A1 and A2 type beta-casein in milk and dairy products, and Analytica has testing methods that have been refined over a number of years.
Analytica’s testing is used by farmers and dairy manufacturers with an interest in producing milk or dairy products that meet particular specifications for beta-casein content. It covers the following applications:
Farm testing
- Identifying the genetic makeup of dairy cattle for beta-casein based on DNA testing, or analysis of the beta-casein in liquid milk samples from individual milking animals.
- Measuring the amount of A1 type beta-casein in bulk milk, to monitor the milk being produced by a particular herd or group of animals.
Manufactured dairy product testing
- Measuring the amount of A1 type beta-casein in manufactured milk products, milk powders, and other dairy products.
A note on intellectual property related to beta-casein
A range of intellectual property is registered or under application around the production, sale, and use of products made with milk from cows that are free of A1 beta-casein protein. The provision of beta-casein testing and results by Analytica does not provide access to any intellectual property rights owned by various parties independent of Analytica.
More information about research on beta-casein variants and bioactive fragments generated from their digestion can be found at www.betacasein.net.