Vol. 11, Special Issue 10 (2022)

Author(s):
Shivashanker, Yathish HM, Basavraj Inamdar, MM Appannavar and CS Nagaraj

Abstract:
The kappa casein (k-CN) is genetically polymorphic and is controlled by co-dominant autosomal genes in accordance with Mendelian law of inheritance. The present research work was undertaken to analyze the genetic variation of kappa casein gene and their association with milk quality traits in Jersey, Hallikar and Malnad Gidda breeds of cattle by PCR-RFLP. A forward (JK5) and a reverse (JK3) primers were used to amplify 350 bp fragment of kappa casein gene and observed no variation in size of amplified product either within or between the breeds. The 350 bp PCR amplified product was digested using the enzyme Hinf I and resulted in three allelic patterns. The Bovine k-casein AA genotype has two restriction sites for Hinf I at 350 bp amplicon yielding two major fragments of 134 bp and 132 bp and a minor fragment of 84 bp. BB genotype had only one restriction site resulting in two fragments of sizes 266 bp and 84 bp. The AB genotype had fragments of 266, 134, 132 and 84 bp. Milk sample of the animals selected for blood sampling were also collected for milk analysis. The association between the kappa casein gene and milk composition was found to be non significant in Jersey. However due to almost monomorphic pattern in Hallikar and Malnad Gidda breeds, the association could not be ascertained. The present study gave an indication of association of kappa casein “B” allele with high milk fat and protein content.