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It is assumed from phylogenetic history that all cattle originally had type A2 genetic material and produced what is known as A2 milk (with A2 beta-casein). It is therefore also referred to as "primal milk". The A1 type arose only later due to mutations in western cow breeds and now one distinguishes between pure a1 or pure A2 or mixed A1/A2 types.

The cleavage of the A1 beta-casein in the gastrointestinal tract releases an increased amount of a cleavage product (beta-casomorphin-7). Given this, there are discussions concerning whether the digestibility of A1 milk types (pure A1 and mixed A1/A2) is worse and whether there is a connection to certain diseases, which seem not to occur with pure A2 milk (A2/A2).

muva kempten GmbH can detect which beta-casein type (A1/A2) is present in milk cells by using an accredited test method (Real-Time PCR). Through electrophoretic analysis we can detect the protein and determine the content semi-quantitatively.

We need 50 ml of milk to conduct the analysis. Please milk the cow by hand, to avoid possible cross-contamination (unintentional mixing) which can occur when samples are taken for example from milking robots. The samples can also be frozen.

Please contact us if you have any questions about A2 milk and its testing. We will be pleased to help you. 

What is A2 milk?

The difference between A1 and A2 milk lies in the composition of the caseins in the protein content of the milk. A2 milk is said to be the original milk variant. 

Which cows produce A2 milk?

The milk composition depends mainly on the breed of cattle. Breeds such as Brown Swiss, Jersey and Guernsey mostly produce the A2 variant. By identifying specifically which cows give A2 milk, a dairy farm can be converted to A2 milk production. muva kempten GmbH offers these identification test methods. 

Is A2 milk healthier?

For people with lactose intolerance, A2 milk is supposed to be easier to tolerate. In fact however there are no scientific studies that prove a connection between A1 milk and intolerablility or the illnesses mentioned.

Contact persons

Moritz Dobrowitsch

Deputy head of department
microbiology - hygiene

Tel. +49 (0) 831/5290-306
moritz.dobrowitsch(at)muva.de

Anna-Lena Schlammer

Chemistry Dept.

Tel. +49 (0) 831/5290-383 
anna-lena.schlammer(at)muva.de

Dr. Maximilian Moravek

Scientific and technical director

Tel. +49 (0) 831/5290-384
maximilian.moravek(at)muva.de