Analysis of beta-Casein variants in Brown Swiss cattle from northern Peru

In Peru, dairy farming is a key industry, providing significant employment and contributing to the economy. In 2020, Peru produced over 2 million tons of fresh cow's milk, with a steady annual growth of around 5.77%. To date, an evaluation of the protein beta-Casein with its A1 and A2 variants has not been conducted in cattle populations from northern Peru. Here, we collected blood samples for DNA extraction from 100 female Brown Swiss individuals from the geographical department of Piura. A specific primer was used for DNA amplification for sequencing using the Sanger method. The results revealed a prevalence of A1 and A2 alleles in the local Brown Swiss population. A total of 16.13% had the A1A1 genotype, 44.09% had the A1/A2 genotype, and 39.78% had the A2/A2 genotype. This study also highlights the importance of improving milk quality and the role of A2 milk in responding to emerging health concerns. However, challenges such as socioeconomic barriers, a lack of knowledge, and insufficient technical support hinder the adoption of A2 milk production technologies. For long-term success, the involvement of farmers, consumer awareness, and support from the government, public institutions, and the private sector are necessary. The growing demand for A2 milk calls for strategic marketing, producer training, and the formation of business associations to boost competitiveness and meet market needs, while ensuring small producers are not negatively impacted by this shift. We hope this work stimulates a constant evaluation of cows in the Peruvian dairy industry, aiming to develop modern breeding programs that favor mainly small-scale producers.