A1 and A2 Beta-Casein | Sheep & Goats

It is common for farmers or manufacturers who are using milk from sheep or goats to ask for beta-casein testing. ALS testing methods are specific to bovine (cattle) beta-casein, and are not designed to detect caprine (goat) or ovine (sheep) beta-casein.

Side profile of a brown goat and a white sheep with brown patches facing each other.

Why A1 Beta-Casein in Your Milk Test Could Mean Bovine Contamination

If a sample of milk or dairy product from another species is tested and produces a detectable presence of A1 beta-casein, it indicates that there is likely to be some contamination of the sample with bovine (cattle) beta-casein rather than that there is A1 beta-casein from the sheep or goats.

The genetic mutation which has occurred in cattle, and gives rise to A1 type-beta-casein in bovine milk, has not occurred in other species. Those with an interest in beta-casein in other species may wish to carry out a review of the scientific literature that describes those proteins, and any mutations that have taken place in them. ALS has the ability to assist with R&D projects including development of new or improved methods for protein analysis, and any enquiries about how this can be applied to meet particular customer needs are welcomed.