Asian Journal of Dairy and Food Research
SCOPUS
  • Year: 2025
  • Volume: 44
  • Issue: 6

Beta lactoglobulin Gene Sequence Variations in South African Holstein Friesian Cows and Their Association with Milk Production Traits

  • Author:
  • Thlarihani Cynthia Makamu1, Thobela Louis Tyasi1,*, Vusi Mbazima2, Kwena Mokoena1
  • Total Page Count: 10
  • Page Number: 1055 to 1064

1Department of Agricultural Economics and Animal Production, School of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of Limpopo, Private Bag X1106, Sovenga, 0727, Limpopo, South Africa

2Department of Biochemistry Microbiology and Biotechnology, School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Private Bag X1106, Sovenga, 0727, Limpopo, South Africa

*Corresponding Author: Thobela Louis Tyasi, Department of Agricultural Economics and Animal Production, School of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of Limpopo, Private Bag X1106, Sovenga, 0727, Limpopo, South Africa, Email: louis.tyasi@ul.ac.za

Online Published on 27 January, 2026.

Abstract

The beta-lactoglobulin (β-LG) gene affects the amount of beta-lactoglobulin in milk, which in turn influences milk production and composition in cattle. However, it is unclear how the beta-lactoglobulin gene affects the milk production characteristics of Holstein Friesian cows in South Africa. Hence this study was conducted to discover the genetic markers of beta-lactoglobulin gene that might be used as a criterion for selection during breeding to enhance milk production traits of South African Holstein Friesian cows.

A total of one hundred (n=100) breeding stock South African Holstein Friesian cows aged 2 to 3 years from the Limpopo dairy farm were used in this study. Student t-test analysis and DNA sequences were used for analysis.

Five 5 different novel single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (5174T>C, 5251C>T, 5123C>G, 4982G>A, 5099T>C) were identified in intron 3 and exon 4. Marker-trait association results revealed that SNPs 5174T>C, 5099T>C and 4982G>A were all associated with milk yield per day, lactose%, and fat%. An association between SNP 5123C>G with lactose%, fat%, milk yield per 30 days and solid-not-fat was found. SNP 5251C>T displayed an association with fat%, solid-not-fat and lactose%. According to this study, the beta lactoglobulin gene may be a viable candidate gene for enhancing the qualities of milk production of South African Holstein cows.

Keywords

Fat, Lactose, Milk yield, Protein, Single nucleotide polymorphisms, Solid-not-fat