POLYMORPHISM OF BETA-CASEIN IN THE CREOLE GOAT OF GUADELOUPE - EVIDENCE FOR A NULL ALLELE

A polymorphism of beta-casein, including several null phenotypes, was observed in a large flock of Creole goats of Guadeloupe. In addition t o the common allele, beta-Cn(A), this polymorphism includes 2 new alle les: beta-Cn(B) with a frequency of 0.03 and beta-Cn(O), a null allele with a frequency of almost-equal-to 0.2. The null allele was found in 2 different alpha(s1)-Cn, beta-Cn haplotypes: alpha(s1)-Cn(B), beta-C n(O) and alpha(s1)-Cn(A), beta-Cn(O). This suggests the possible exist ence of 2 different mutations producing a null allele at locus beta-Cn .