The Influence of Beta-Lactoglobulin Genetic Polymorphism on Protein Distribution and Coagulation Properties in Milk of Massese Breed Ewes

The genotypic frequencies at the beta-lactoglobulin locus were examined on 128 individual ovine milk samples from Massese breed. Chemical composition, casein and whey protein fractions and tromboelastographic parameters were determined on all individual milk samples. Statistical interrelations were calculated using JMP software 3.02 of SAS Institute. The genotypic frequencies at the beta-lactoglobulin locus were: 0.36 AA; 0.54 AB; 0.10 BB. The BB variant of beta-lactoglobulin could be related to a higher milk production with a lower casein content and a greater overall amount in whey proteins, particularly alpha-La and BSA. The AA and AB genotypes showed higher beta-lactoglobulin and total casein contents, and were related to a better quality of milk either in composition or in rennetability