Genetic Polymorphism of Bovine Alpha-Lactalbumin

Bovine alpha lactalbumin, the regulatory component of lactose synthase complex is an important milk protein. The genetic locus of the protein spans over 2.5 kbp,s on chromosome 5 and is comprised of four exons, encoding 123 residue long monomeric protein. The differential expression of this gene in various cattle species has been attributed to its genetic polymorphism, explaining the role of allelic variations in milk production. Based on these facts, we have screened three bovine breeds namely Holstein, Jersey and local indigenous breeds for allelic variations where we have seen some novel SNP,s which could be responsible for differential milk production in various breeds.