A2 · Exotic Breeds
Is Jersey Cow Milk A1 or A2? Jersey, HF & Crossbred Milk Explained
Jersey and Holstein Friesian (HF) milk is usually a mix of A1 and A2, so it is not A2 milk. In a 2023 Tamil Nadu study, Jersey crossbred cows were 38% A1A1 and 62% A1A2, and HF crossbreds 29% A1A1 and 71% A1A2 — none were A2A2. A 2012 study of breeding bulls found A1 allele frequencies up to 0.44 in Holsteins. Because crossbreds now supply a large share of India’s milk, most packet milk contains A1.
Quick take
- Jersey and HF carry A1 beta-casein.
- 2023 study: 0% A2A2 among Jersey and HF crossbreds.
- Most packet milk in India includes A1.
- For A2: buffalo or tested desi cow milk.
Jersey and HF cows, and their crosses, give far more milk than desi cows, which is why they spread across Indian dairying. The trade-off for A2 buyers is A1.
We make A2 buffalo bilona ghee, so we have an interest here; figures are from our lab report and the cited sources.
The genotype data
| Animals (study) | A1A1 | A1A2 | A2A2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jersey crossbred cows (Tamil Nadu, 2023) | 38% | 62% | 0% |
| HF crossbred cows (Tamil Nadu, 2023) | 29% | 71% | 0% |
| Murrah buffalo (same study) | 0% | 0% | 100% |
A separate 2012 study of 51 Holstein, 40 Jersey and 89 crossbred breeding bulls found A2 the more common allele overall (mean 0.645), with A1 allele frequency from 0.298 in crossbreds to 0.441 in Holsteins. Results vary by population, but A1 is clearly present.
Why it matters in India
Cow milk overtook buffalo milk as India’s largest source around 2020-21, driven by crossbred cows (buffalo milk in India). So ordinary packet cow milk, and ghee made from it, usually contains A1 beta-casein.
Is Jersey milk bad?
No. It is nutritious milk. The A1 concern is about digestive comfort for some people; disease claims are not proven (A2 milk benefits). If regular milk suits you, Jersey milk is fine.
Ghee from Jersey milk
Ghee keeps only trace protein, so A1 or A2 matters less in ghee than in milk; the label mostly signals the milk source (A2 vs A1 ghee).
Finding A2
Buffalo milk is A2 (is buffalo milk A2?); desi cow milk mostly is, with testing (A2 cow breeds).
Sources & references
- Kathiravan P et al. A study on β-casein gene polymorphism in crossbred cattle and Murrah / graded Murrah buffalo in Tamil Nadu. Indian Journal of Animal Research, 2023; 57(7)
- Sodhi M et al. Screening of taurine and crossbred breeding bulls for A1/A2 variants of β-casein gene. Indian Journal of Animal Sciences, 2012; 82(2)
- Dairy News 7x7 — Cows move past buffaloes as India’s milk supply leaders (DAHD data, 2016-17 and 2020-21)
- EFSA. Review of the potential health impact of β-casomorphins and related peptides. EFSA Scientific Report 231, 2009
Frequently asked questions
Is Jersey cow milk A1 or A2?
Usually a mix of A1 and A2. In a 2023 study no Jersey crossbred cow tested A2A2.
Is HF cow milk A2?
No; HF cows commonly carry A1, and none of the HF crossbreds in a 2023 study were A2A2.
Is packet milk A1?
Most packet cow milk in India comes from crossbred cows and contains A1 beta-casein.
Which milk is A2 in India?
Buffalo milk and milk from tested indigenous desi cows.
A2 by nature, not by label
A2 Farmer Buffalo Bilona Ghee — A2A2 confirmed by PCR, 99.76% milk fat, hand-churned and glass-packed. From ₹799.
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