GENETIC-VARIANTS OF BOVINE-MILK PROTEIN G ENES - RESULTS OF AN INTERNATIONAL SURVEY

The present study was designed to obtain information about the use of genetic polymorphisms of milk protein genes in 21 countries in the yea r 1991. More than two thirds of the analyses of milk protein polymorph isms were done for scientific purposes and less than one third for pra ctical breeding. Milk protein polymorphisms are most important in Ital y due to the production of Parmesan cheese. Two thirds of the laborato ries genotyped polymorphisms using milk protein samples with an averag e number of 2300 animals (99.7% cows). 22 laboratories performed genot yping of kappa-casein at the DNA level with an average number of 230 a nimals (71% bulls, 25% cows, 3% calves, < 1% embryos). 16 laboratories performed a DNA test for beta-lactoglobulin with an average number of 178 animals. Most tests were done in the ''Friesian'' breed. 59% of t he interviewed scientists believe that genotyping will be becoming mor e important in the future.