Question : Production of A1 and A2 Milk

(a) the details of the native and hybrid breeds of cows available in the country at present;
(b) whether the Government has conducted any research on the differences between Al and A2 milk;
(c) whether any cow breeds in India produce Al milk, if so, the details thereof; and
(d) the native cow breeds of India that are known to produce only A2 milk, if so, whether the Government is considering to tap the export opportunities arising out of this advantageous position, if so, the details thereof?

ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE
(SHRI MOHANBHAI KUNDARIYA)
(a): As per 19th Livestock Census the country has 19.09 crore cattle. Of the19.09 crore cattle, 20.79% are exotic and crossbreds (3.97 crore) and 79.21% belonging to indigenous breeds (15.12 crore). The cattle genetic resource of India is represented by 39 registered indigenous breeds and 13 registered buffalo breeds. The crossbreds are crosses of indigenous cattle with exotic breeds, mostly Jersey and Holstein Friesian.

(b) As reported by Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) a project entitled “Delineating Beta Casein Variants in Indian Cows and Potential Health Implications of A1A2 Milk,” funded by National Agricultural Science Fund (NASF), ICAR is being implemented at National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources (NBAGR) Karnal.

(c) & (d) As per limited observations of ICAR all animals of indigenous breeds of cattle and buffalo tested so far had A2 allele of beta casein. Once, the probable negative impacts of A1 milk are validated the export opportunities can be explored, thereafter.

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