The association between dermatoglyphic traits - number of ridges, vibrisae and granulae -with milk protein genotypes was investigated in data from 201 cows of Bavarian Simmental, Bavarian Brown, Tyrolean Grey and German Black and White breed, respectively and of Simmental-Red Friesian crossbreds. Breeds differed highly significantly for all muzzle traits. The linked casein genotypes are significantly (p<.05) associated with number of ridges and granulae. Allele B of the beta-casein locus shows a significant gene substitution effect relative to allele A2. Additive-genetic variance of the loci on dermatoglyph was estimated. It accounts for 60 to 90% of the total genotypic variance. It appears probable that the casein loci are linked to genes affecting the dermatoglyphic traits.