Genotyping × MilkTest®: which to use to identify A2 milk
Both methods identify A2A2 animals. See the differences in turnaround, cost, sample and logistics side by side — and learn what A2 milk is.
Genotyping × MilkTest®
Why not use traditional genotyping?
Both methods identify A2A2 animals. The difference is how long it takes, how much it costs and who can do it.
| Genotyping | MilkTest® | |
|---|---|---|
| Sample | Hair or blood sampling by a licensed professional | A few drops of milk, collected by the farmer |
| Logistics | Samples shipped to a specialized laboratory | No shipping — the test is done on the farm |
| Turnaround | Results in weeks or months | Results in minutes |
| Cost | High cost | Affordable — from R$39.90 |
| Milk purity | Does not confirm the absence of A1 beta-casein | Confirms the purity of A2 milk (PureMilk) |
MilkTest® is a screening test validated against genotyping, with 100% sensitivity and specificity for identifying A2A2 animals.
What is A2 milk?
A2 milk
Milk that contains only the A2 variant of the beta-casein protein, without the A1 variant. It is produced by genetically A2A2 cows.
A1 and A2 beta-casein
Beta-casein is one of the main proteins in milk and comes in two variants, A1 and A2. The difference between them is genetic and determines whether or not the milk is A2.
A2A2 animal
An animal that carries two copies of the A2 gene and therefore produces only A2 milk. MilkTest® identifies these animals from a few drops of milk.