Polymorphism of caprine milk αs1-casein in relation to performance of four Polish goat breeds

Polymorphism of goat milk alpha s(1)-casein was determined and potential relations between genetic variants of this protein fraction and goat performance were evaluated. The investigations were performed on 598 goats assigned to of 4 breed groups (White improved 254 units, Coloured improved -124, White non-improved - 146 and Coloured non-improved - 74). For each goat, alpha s(1)-casein polymorphism was determined in polyacrylamide gel by the PAGE-SDS method and percentage of milk as,alpha s(1)-casein and gene frequency established. There was evaluated goat performance at successive lactation-. In the goat population investigated, AA, AB, BB, AE, BE and EE alpha s(1)-casein genotypes were identified. In all four breeds, alpha s(1)-casein genotype EE clearly predominated (27.2-39.2%), recognized as "medium" and its share was higher in the groups of non-improved goats. It was conditioned by high frequency of gene E alpha s(1)-casein (0.4:19-0.622). Generally, EE genotype percentage was higher in the non-improved goat groups. The improved goats, though, obtained higher productivity in each of the lactation studied. Analysis of relationships between alpha s(1)-casein genetic variants and goats performance confirmed a significant influence on milk, protein and fat yields only in the Coloured improved goat group. There was revealed a more general tendency indicating a significant impact of "strong" alpha s(1)-casein genotypes on a concentration of basic milk components, i.e. fat and protein, especially casein. In a group of goats producing milk of the highest casein content (over 2.4%) and protein (over 3.0%), the animals showing "strong" alpha s(1)-casein variants dominated (85 and 70 %).