Identification of bovine kappa-casein C allele using allele-specific polymerase chain reaction

The amplification of polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-product for the kappa- casein (kappa-CN) C allele using a C-allele specific primer was developed. This method was compared and controlled with the existing technique of rest riction fragment length polymorphism. Analysis of the genomic DNA of a know n kappa-CN genotype using an allele-specific primer for kappa-CN C does not allow discrimination of the C heterozygous of homozygous forms, but discri minates C-carriers and non-C-carriers. Blood and milk samples of Holstein, Slovak Pied, Slovak Pinzgauer and Brown Swiss cattle were analysed. The occ urrence of the C allele was found only in three Brown Swiss cows in heteroz ygous forms (AC). Complete genotypes were identified by subsequent restrict ion endonuclease digestion. The results were in agreement with milk protein analysis on polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The allele specific (AS)-P CR method described Is a useful screening method fur the pre-selection of C -carriers for subsequent MaeII digestion. Therefore, financial benefit can be achieved.