Recent research on the health benefits of A2 milk has found it to be healthier than the A1 variant. Now, A2 milk is gaining people’s attention, as it comes from desi cows of Indian cattle breeds.
Many people have started switching to A2 milk, but some still doubt what A2 milk is and which cow gives A2 milk.
In this blog, we will help you understand the benefits of A2 cow milk and how it differs from Regular A1 milk. We also discuss the desi cow breeds from which A2 cow milk is produced and the challenges of producing A2 milk from desi cows.
A2 cow milk Vs. Regular milk:
A2 milk is from the Indian breeds of cows like Gir, Sahiwal, and Red Sindhi, and regular A1 milk is Sourced from the Western breeds of cows like Holstein, Friesian, and Jersey.
There’s a difference in the protein present in it. A2 milk has A2 Beta-Casein protein Derived from Desi breeds of cows like Gir, Sahiwal, and Red Sindhi, while Regular milk has A1 Beta-Casein protein. Both of these proteins differ in digestibility, as A2 milk protein is easy to digest while A1 is slightly heavy on the stomach
The taste of A2 milk is similar to regular milk, but there’s a difference in the Texture, as A2 milk from Indian breeds of cows has a thick and creamy texture As compared to Regular A1 milk
Which Cows Produce A2 Milk?
Indian cow breeds, also known as desi cows, are the ones that produce A2 milk. Below, we will look at the major cow breeds in India and discuss their history and unique characteristics.
1) Gir Cow
Origin
Gir cows are indigenous to Gujarat, India’s Gir Forest region.
Characteristics
They are medium- to large-sized cattle with an obvious hump on their back and a dewlap (a fold of skin under the neck. The normal color of gir cows is reddish-brown.
Milk
They are noted for their great milk production, and the milk is frequently a good source of the protein A2 beta-casein.
2) Sahiwal Cow
Origin
Punjab, India, and Pakistan are where Sahiwal cows first appeared.
Characteristics
Their characteristic reddish-brown coat makes them a medium-sized breed of cattle. Cows from Sahiwal are accustomed to hot and humid weather.
Milk
Sahiwal cows are prized for producing milk that is both wholesome and A2 milk.
3) Red Sindhi Cow
Origin
The Sindh region of India and Pakistan is the origin of the Red Sindhi breed.
Characteristics
The reddish-brown to the deep red colouring of these cows is well-known. They are resilient and well-adapted to tropical environments.
Milk
Milk from Red Sindhi cows has a fair amount of fat in it.
4) Tharparkar Cow
Origin
In the Thar Desert region of India and Pakistan, Tharparkar cows are indigenous.
Characteristics
With a hump and a white coat, they are medium-sized cattle. Cows from the Tharparkar region can survive in hot, dry environments with ease.
Milk
Their milk is famous for having a high-fat content and is produced mostly for milk.
5) Amrit Mahal Cow
Origin
Original to India’s Karnataka state is this breed.
Characteristics
Having a white or grey coat, Amrit Mahal cows are big and sturdy. Both agriculture and the military employed them in the past.
Utility
Historically, they were employed for agricultural work and as draught animals.
6) Kankrej Cow
Origin
Cows known as Kankrej originates in Gujarat, India’s Kankrej region.
Characteristics
With long horns and silver to grey coats, they are medium to large-sized cattle. They are capable of surviving in dry environments.
Utility
Cows from the Kankrej breed are utilized for both milk production and draught.
Benefits Of A2 Cow Milk
A2 cow milk, derived from certain indigenous or desi cow breeds, is often believed to offer several potential benefits over A1 milk, which comes from Western dairy breeds. While scientific research on these benefits is ongoing, here are some of the commonly suggested advantages of A2 cow milk.
1) Easier Digestibility
For some people, A2 milk is supposed to be easier to digest than A1 milk. The A2 beta-casein protein in this milk type is thought to be kinder to the digestive system, which may lessen discomfort and digestive disorders, including bloating and gas.
2) Lower Chance of Lactose Intolerance
Since A2 milk contains lactose, those who have lactose sensitivity may find it bearable. However, because of the special protein composition, it may be simpler to digest without the normal symptoms of lactose intolerance.
3) Nutritional Profile
Regarding important minerals like calcium, protein, and vitamins, A2 milk is typically regarded as having a similar nutritional profile to A1 milk. It might be included in a healthy diet.
4) Agricultural Preservation
The preservation of native or desi cow breeds, essential to regional agricultural and cultural traditions, can be aided by supporting A2 milk production.
5) Asthma and Allergies
Although additional research is required to make a firm connection, several studies have suggested that consuming A2 milk may be linked to a lower incidence of asthma and allergy symptoms.
6) Environmental Considerations
A2 milk production could be more environmentally beneficial, according to some supporters, because desi cows are better suited to local conditions and require less intensive agricultural techniques.
Now, let’s look at the various forms of A2 milk products
1) A2 Milk
The most prevalent and accessible A2 dairy item is this one. The milk comes from A2 cow breeds, which are essentially ordinary milk. The same methods for drinking, cooking, and baking can be utilized with A2 milk as they are with regular milk.
2) A2 Ghee
Ghee, or clarified butter, is coveted for its possible health advantages and its rich, nutty flavor when produced from A2 milk. For its higher smoke point, which makes it acceptable for frying and sautéing, A2 ghee, which is widely used in Indian cuisine, is coveted.
3) A2 Cheese
A2 milk is also capable of producing several types of cheese. These cheeses, which may have a distinctive flavor profile, are sought after by customers looking for specialty and artisanal dairy products.
4) A2 Yogurt
Yoghurt can be made with A2 milk as well. People who want dairy products with the possible digestive benefits of A2 milk frequently choose A2 yoghurt because of its creamy smoothness
Challenges Of A2 Cow Milk
A2 cow milk has grown in popularity due to its potential advantages, but it also has a number of issues and concerns.
1) Higher Cost
Because desi cows produce less milk than high-yielding Western breeds, producing A2 milk can be more expensive. A2 milk and its products may see an increase in price as a result.
2) Limited Availability
Because they are less widespread than Western dairy breeds, indigenous or desi cow breeds are the main source of A2 milk. A2 milk might, therefore, be harder to come by in some areas, limiting consumer availability.
3) Taste Preferences
Individuals’ tastes can vary. Therefore, some consumers might find that A2 milk tastes slightly different from A1 milk. This may impact adoption and acceptance among consumers.
4) Dietary Preferences
Regardless of whether the milk is A2 or A1, some consumers have dietary preferences or restrictions that forbid them from consuming dairy products completely. It can be difficult for the dairy sector to accommodate these varied dietary preferences.
5) Competition
Almond, soy, and oat milk are some non-dairy milk substitutes that A2 milk competes with. These substitutes are providing competition for A2 milk among consumers looking for dairy-free solutions.
6) Sustainability
As demand rises, it is important to ensure that A2 milk production is sustainable, taking into account environmental effects and the ethical management of cow herds.
7) Supply Chain and Distribution
It can be difficult to keep a steady supply chain for A2 milk, especially in areas with few desi cow populations. To reach a larger consumer base, distribution networks might also need to be increased.
Conclusion:
The world of desi cows and their function as the supply of A2 milk, in conclusion, is a topic of significant relevance, comprising rich traditions, agricultural sustainability, and potential health advantages. These native breeds have altered agricultural landscapes and cultural traditions in addition to providing a distinctive contribution to the dairy sector.
A2 milk from desi cows has the potential to be a more healthy and easily digestible option for customers. Even if additional research is being done to determine its benefits, it is obvious that these cows are more than just animals raised for food; they are also cultural icons and guardians of various habitats.
