Joint effects of CSN3 and LGB genes on milk quality and coagulation properties in Czech Fleckvieh

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the joint effects of <I>CSN3</I> and <I>LGB</I> genotypes on parameters of production, quality and coagulation of milk in Czech Fleckvieh cows. Three hundred and twenty-eight Czech Fleckvieh cows were determined for <I>CSN3</I> (kappa-casein) and <I>LGB</I> (beta-lactoglobulin) genotypes using the PCR-RFLP method, milk quality parameters and coagulation properties. Milk production parameters were obtained from the Official Database of Progeny Testing. Fifteen genotype combinations were detected, with <I>ABAB</I> (21.0%) and <I>AAAB</I> (18.3%) occurring as the most frequent. The observed genes significantly affected the contents of milk protein (crude protein, true protein, casein and whey protein) as well as solid non-fat in milk, casein number and curd quality. <I>BBAA</I> was found to be the genotype with the highest positive impact on most of the milk characteristics evaluated. Whereas <I>ABBB, BBBB, BBAB</I> and <I>ABAB</I> had a positive influence on milk quality and milk coagulation properties, genotypes containing <I>CSN3</I> allele <I>E</I> had a negative effect. Results presented in this study are applicable in the selection of Czech Fleckvieh cattle.