DNA test to help boost A2 milk production

An onsite solution that rapidly improves the ability of dairy companies to detect the purity of their product could provide a boost to the flourishing A2 milk industry.

The A1 milk kit, produced by Swiss biotech company SwissDeCode, identifies the A1 protein in less than 50 minutes via DNA sequence testing.

Until now, testing the purity of A2 milk was not readily accessible or reliable, potentially preventing access for smaller dairy companies to enter the niche A2 milk market.

“The solution we are launching shows that rapid, DNA-based tests can be used to detect adulteration and contamination, but also to perform quality control of products in premium segments,” SwissDeCode CEO Brij Sahi said.

A growing body of medical research about the benefits of A2 milk has led to its substantial increase in popularity.

The craze began when scientists analysed the two different types of a protein found in cow’s milk called beta-casein.

Originally, all cows produced A2 beta-casein. With evolution, a natural genetic mutation resulted in cows producing A1 type beta-casein.

Research indicates the A2 protein metabolises in the human body more efficiently than the A1 protein. This results in many benefits for consumers as it may reduce flatulence, bloating and abdominal pain.

The A2 protein may also assist with a range of functions in the growth of infants and certain chronic diseases, although further research is needed.

Therefore, the development of the A1 milk kit provides the milk industry with an important step towards offering consumers the choice to buy verified A2 milk on a wider and more accessible scale.  

Image credit: ©stock.adobe.com/au/Davizro Photography