Vadodara: A1 and A2 are two types of beta-casein , a sub-group of casein that is the largest protein found in milk . All cows originally produced only A2 protein . However, over time due to genetic mutation, many cows started producing both A1 and A2 proteins, with some producing only A1 protein.
The increase in A2 milk production in India has been led by a rise in buffalo milk as all the indigenous buffalo and even cow breeds produce 100% A2 milk, unlike the pure or exotic foreign breed cows, like popular Holstein-Friesian (HF) and Jersey. Dr RS Sodhi, president of Indian Dairy Association (IDA) said that almost 90% of milk in India is A2 milk. “There is no scientific evidence that proves that A1 or A2 protein is better.
Small dairies used to sell dairy products like ghee as A2 ghee which does not have protein content in it,” said Sodhi, calling it a marketing gimmick. “It was just a perception that A2 milk and milk products are better,” he said. He added that all crossbred cows produce 50% A2 milk and 50% A1 milk.
“So, 90% of milk in India is A2,” he said.
