Determination of whey proteins in different types of milk

Protein analysis is very important both in terms of milk protein allergy, and of milk and dairy product adulteration (β-lactoglobulin may be an important marker in the detection of milk adulteration). The aim of this study was to detect major whey proteins α-lactalbumin and β-lactoglobulin and their genetic variants by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography. Milk samples from cows (n = 40), goats (n = 40) and sheep (n = 40) were collected at two farms and milk bars in the Czech Republic from April to June 2010. The concentration of α-lactalbumin was higher in goat’s milk (1.27 ± 0.05 g·l-1, P -1, P = 0.0037) compared to sheep’s milk (0.95 ± 0.06 g·l-1); however, concentration of α-lactalbumin in goat’s milk and cow’s milk did not differ significantly (P -1) compared to cow’s milk (4.10 ± 0.04 g·l-1, P -1, P P P = 0.0296). This study summarizes actual information of the whey protein content in different types of milk which may be relevant in assessing their allergenic potential