Genetic variability at αs2-casein gene in Girgentana dairy goat breed

Abstract

Casein genes are highly polymorphic and the high degree of variability has qualitative and quantitative effects on milk composition thereby affecting chemical, physical and technological properties of goat milk. The aim of this work was to evaluate the genetic polymorphisms of the αs2-casein (CSN1S2) gene in the endangered Girgentana dairy goat breed in order to assess the genotypes distribution, as it is known genotype influences technological and nutritional milk properties. The study was performed on 207 sample of Girgentana goat breed, analysed with different PCR protocols. The most frequent alleles was A (0.722), followed by F (0.225), C (0.051) and E (0.002) while B, D and 0 alleles were not found. Genotypes detected were AA (0.512), AF (0.338), AC (0.082), FF (0.043), CF (0.020) and EF (0.005). Our results suggested that Girgentana goat breed could be used for the production of milk with high fat and protein content and with optimal technological ability, suitable for cheese making.

Keywords

• αs2-casein gene, Genetic polymorphisms, Girgentana goat, Milk production