A2 Beta-casein Genotyping (A1 / A2 Milk Gene Test)
A2 beta-casein genotyping is a DNA test that shows whether a cow or buffalo carries the A1 or A2 form of the beta-casein milk protein gene. It is a gene test, not a disease test, and is of interest to farmers who sell A2 milk.
- Sample
- Whole blood (EDTA) or hair root
- Quantity
- As advised
- Report
- Confirmed when you book
- Collection
- Free in Bhopal
What this test checks
- The beta-casein gene type of the animal: A1A1, A1A2 or A2A2
- Whether the animal carries at least one copy of the A1 form
- Whether the animal is A2A2, the type whose milk beta-casein is all A2
- Which gene forms a bull or cow can pass on to its calves
Benefits of this test
- Shows each animal's type, which breed, colour or looks cannot show.
- Usually needed only once per animal, because genes do not change during life.
- Can be done at any age, so calves and bulls can be tested before breeding.
- Helps farmers who sell A2 milk know which animals are A2A2.
- Uses a simple blood or hair-root sample, with no fasting needed.
When your vet may advise it
- Before supplying milk sold as A2, to check each animal's type.
- Choosing heifers or cows to keep for breeding.
- Choosing a bull, or checking a bull's type before using him for breeding.
- Buying new animals for an A2 dairy herd.
- Testing young calves, so their type is known long before they give milk.
About this test
Beta-casein is one of the main proteins in milk. The gene that makes it comes in different forms, and the two main forms are called A1 and A2. Every animal carries two copies of this gene, one from its mother and one from its father. So an animal can be A1A1, A1A2 or A2A2. Only an A2A2 animal makes milk in which all the beta-casein is of the A2 type. That is why farmers who sell A2 milk want to know the type of each animal.
Genotyping means finding out which forms of a gene an animal carries. This test reads the animal's own DNA from blood collected in an EDTA tube or from hair roots. It does not test the milk. You cannot tell an animal's type from its breed, colour or looks, so a DNA test is needed. Because genes do not change during life, one clear result per animal is usually enough, and the test can be done at any age, even in a young calf. A bull passes one copy of the gene to each calf, so knowing his type helps with breeding plans.
The result is a guide for breeding and for selling milk, not a health check. It does not show whether an animal is healthy or sick, and it is not a test of milk quality or safety. A registered veterinarian or a trained breeding adviser can explain what the result means for your herd and for choosing bulls or semen. Give each animal's tag number or name when you book, so every result in My Reports matches the right animal.
How to prepare
No fasting is needed; the sample is blood in an EDTA tube or hairs pulled with their roots from the tail, kept dry in a clean paper envelope and labelled with the animal's tag or name. The lab confirms the method, sample needs and reporting time when you book.
Reading the result
The report shows the animal's gene type, such as A1A1, A1A2 or A2A2. A registered veterinarian or breeding adviser can explain what it means for breeding. This is a gene test, so it does not show whether the animal is healthy, and it does not test milk quality. If a sample does not give a clear result, a fresh sample may be needed.
Questions about A1/A2 test
What is the difference between A1 and A2 cows?
Are all desi cows A2?
Can I test the milk instead of the cow for A2?
Is the A2 gene test needed more than once?
Before you book this test
Why this notice: so you know, before you book, how a test is done, what its limits are and who is responsible.
- Where it is tested. Some tests are done wholly or partly by an independent partner laboratory. The lab tells you before booking if this test is sent out, and the report names the laboratory that did it.
- What a result can and cannot tell you. No test is right every time. A normal result does not rule out every disease, and an abnormal result does not prove one. A registered veterinarian should read the report with the animal’s signs and history before any treatment is started, changed or stopped.
- The sample. A sample that is clotted, too small, wrongly labelled, leaking or too old may be rejected or reported with a note, and the lab may ask for a fresh one.
- Reporting time. Confirmed when you book. Times are estimates, not guarantees, and the lab confirms the time when you book.
- Emergencies. A booking or a pending report must not delay urgent care. If an animal has collapsed, struggles to breathe, has fits or bleeds heavily, call a veterinarian at once.
Please read our Terms of Service, Medical Disclaimer, Privacy Policy and Refund and Cancellation Policy. Pashupatinath Vet Lab is operated by Duaji Healthcare and Tech Private Limited. This page is general information and does not replace a veterinarian’s advice.
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A1/A2 test: Bhopal and the big cities of Madhya Pradesh
Free sample collection anywhere in Bhopal. From the other cities, send the sample by courier, bus parcel or through your local veterinarian, and the report comes to you online.
Free collection in these Bhopal areas