Polymorphism in the Beta Casein Gene and analysis of milk characteristicsin Gir and Guzerá dairy cattle

program. Data were submitted to analysis of variance and to the Tukey-Kramer test at 5% probability and cluster analyses by main components were performed. Allele frequencies were 98 and 97% for the A2 allele and 0.96 and 0.93% for the genotype A2A2 for Gir and Guzerá, respectively. Gir and Guzerá animals showed differences in protein, lactose, and non-fat dry extract levels. Although correlations between milk yield and the production and some milk components are moderate, increases in milk yield are always greater than the increase in constituent yield. In addition, even though Guzerá animals have a higher percentage of protein, lactose, and non-fat dry extract, milk from Zebu breeds is an alternative for individuals sensitive to β-casein protein.