Genetic effects of αs1-casein locus on estimated cheese yields in Italian Alpine and Saanen goats

Cheese yield in dairy goat is influenced by milk fat and protein content and also by αs1-casein polymorphisms. The A allele at this locus is associated to better cheese yield due to smaller micellar casein, whereas the E allele seems to negatively affect milk technological properties. We evaluated the genetic effects of CSN1S1 alleles and genotypes on two estimated soft cheese yields, calculated from individual production data. Our results confirm the significant differences of CSN1S1 alleles on estimate cheese yield and on fat and protein content of goat milk. A allele showed the highest positive effect on all the parameters recorded and calculated. The lowest effect of the F allele on cheese yield and goat dairy traits was confirmed. The E allele showed a significant negative allele substitution effect for cheese yield and protein %