Is A2 Milk from Indian Cows? Unveiling the Truth About Desi Breeds

November 30, 2025 •

4 min read

Studies show that indigenous Indian cattle have a 95% frequency of the A2 allele, confirming that A2 milk is predominantly from Indian cows. This natural genetic makeup sets them apart from many western dairy breeds, and explains the growing demand for desi cow milk.

Quick Summary

Indigenous Indian cattle breeds like Gir and Sahiwal are the natural source of A2 beta-casein milk. Genetic studies confirm these desi cows overwhelmingly produce the A2 protein, unlike many high-yielding western breeds.

Key Points

Genetic Origins: Indigenous Indian cows, or Bos indicus, naturally possess the A2 allele and produce milk rich in A2 beta-casein protein.
Breed Identification: Key Indian breeds producing pure A2 milk include Gir, Sahiwal, Rathi, and Kankrej.
Digestive Benefits: Many individuals with dairy sensitivities find A2 milk easier to digest as it does not produce the BCM-7 peptide associated with A1 milk.
Farming Matters: The quality of A2 milk is influenced by ethical farming practices, including natural grazing and the absence of hormones.
Purity Concerns: Due to past crossbreeding efforts, genuine A2 milk from Indian cows requires verification, as some mixed-breed herds produce a blend of A1/A2 milk.
Supporting Tradition: By choosing A2 milk from native Indian breeds, consumers contribute to the preservation of India's cattle heritage.

The Genetic Makeup of Indian Cows

The fundamental difference between A2 and A1 milk lies in a single amino acid within the beta-casein protein. Indigenous Indian cow breeds, known as Bos indicus, have a hump and are genetically inclined to produce milk containing only the A2 beta-casein protein. This contrasts with the European breeds, or Bos taurus, such as Holstein Friesian, which primarily produce A1 beta-casein protein due to a genetic mutation that occurred over centuries. Scientific research conducted in India has reinforced this, showing a very high frequency of the A2 allele in native cattle breeds. A study genotyping 2500 Indian cattle found an overall A2 allele frequency of 0.95, indicating that the vast majority are A2 producers. This makes India's native cows a globally significant source of A2 milk.

Prominent Indian A2 Cow Breeds

India is home to a rich diversity of indigenous cattle breeds, many of which are celebrated for their A2 milk production. These breeds are not only valuable for their milk but also for their resilience and adaptability to the local climate. Some of the most well-known Indian A2-producing breeds include:

Gir: Originating from the Gir forest region in Gujarat, this breed is highly sought after for its high-quality, nutritious A2 milk.
Sahiwal: Hailing from the Punjab region, Sahiwal cows are renowned for producing rich and creamy milk with a high butterfat content.
Rathi: Found predominantly in Rajasthan, the Rathi breed is a hardy, dual-purpose animal that thrives in extreme weather and produces nutritious A2 milk.
Red Sindhi: This breed from the Sindh province (now in Pakistan) is well-adapted to hot and humid conditions and produces moderate yields of A2 milk.
Kankrej: Native to the Rann of Kutch, the Kankrej is a hardy, dual-purpose breed providing both A2 milk and draught power.

A1 vs. A2 Milk: A Protein Perspective

The protein difference between A1 and A2 milk is central to the debate about their respective health impacts. During the digestion of A1 milk, a peptide called beta-casomorphin-7 (BCM-7) is released. Some studies and anecdotal evidence suggest that BCM-7 may be linked to digestive discomforts like bloating, as well as more serious health concerns in some sensitive individuals, though scientific consensus is still developing. In contrast, A2 milk does not produce this peptide upon digestion, which is why many people who experience discomfort with regular milk find A2 milk easier to tolerate. The A2 beta-casein structure is similar to that found in human breast milk, which may contribute to its easier digestibility.

The Challenge of Crossbreeding

While native Indian breeds naturally produce A2 milk, extensive crossbreeding with high-yielding foreign breeds was promoted during the 'White Revolution' in India to increase milk production. This has resulted in a large population of mixed-breed cows, many of which produce a combination of A1 and A2 milk. This is why not all milk produced in India today is purely A2. For consumers seeking genuine A2 milk, it is crucial to source products from farms that focus on indigenous breeds and maintain strict genetic screening. Companies that directly source from and manage their own pure desi herds offer better guarantees of milk purity.

Factors Affecting Milk Quality Beyond A1/A2

While the A1/A2 distinction is important for many, it is not the sole factor in determining milk quality. Several other elements play a crucial role:

Diet and Feed: The cow's diet significantly influences the nutritional profile of its milk. Cows that are free-grazing and fed natural fodder produce milk with higher quality fats and nutrients compared to those on commercial feed.
Farming Practices: Ethical and sustainable farming methods, including open grazing and avoiding hormones and antibiotics, lead to healthier cows and purer milk.
Traceability: A farm-to-table model with transparent sourcing and stringent quality checks ensures that the milk is free from adulteration and contamination.

Comparison of Indian (Desi) Cows vs. European (Exotic) Cows


Feature	Indian (Desi) Cows (Bos indicus)	European (Exotic) Cows (Bos taurus)
Milk Protein	Predominantly A2 beta-casein	Primarily A1 beta-casein (or A1/A2 mix)
Hump	Possesses a distinct hump	No hump
Milk Yield	Generally lower yield	Significantly higher yield
Adaptability	High adaptability to local climate	Lower adaptability, often requiring hormone injections to stabilize
Digestibility	Often considered easier to digest for sensitive individuals	May cause digestive discomfort for some due to BCM-7 peptide
Popular Breeds	Gir, Sahiwal, Rathi, Kankrej	Holstein Friesian, Jersey

Conclusion: The Resurgence of A2 Milk from Indian Cows

Yes, A2 milk is predominantly from Indian cows, particularly the indigenous breeds known for their A2 beta-casein genetic purity. While crossbreeding has introduced a mixed A1/A2 protein profile in some dairy stock, dedicated Indian farms focusing on native breeds like Gir and Sahiwal are reviving the tradition of pure A2 milk. The perceived health benefits and easier digestibility have driven this resurgence, as consumers increasingly seek natural and wholesome dairy products rooted in traditional wisdom. Choosing A2 milk from verified desi cow sources is a way to support both personal well-being and the preservation of India's native cattle heritage. For a deeper understanding of indigenous cattle breeds, one can consult the National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources (NBAGR), which serves as a nodal agency for the country's livestock resources. Learn more about India's native cattle breeds at the National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources (NBAGR) website.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, while indigenous Indian breeds naturally produce A2 milk, widespread crossbreeding with European breeds has resulted in many cows producing a mix of A1 and A2 beta-casein protein. To ensure you are getting pure A2 milk, it is important to purchase from a reputable source that maintains pure desi herds.

The main difference is the type of beta-casein protein they contain. A1 milk contains the A1 beta-casein protein, which upon digestion releases the BCM-7 peptide. A2 milk, on the other hand, contains the A2 beta-casein protein, which does not produce this peptide.

A2 milk is often easier for many people to digest because the A2 beta-casein protein breaks down differently in the stomach. Unlike A1 protein, it does not release the BCM-7 peptide, which is thought to be a cause of digestive discomfort for some.

Several Indian breeds are known for pure A2 milk, including Gir, Sahiwal, Rathi, Red Sindhi, and Kankrej. These indigenous breeds are highly valued for their A2 milk quality and are well-adapted to the Indian climate.

To ensure authenticity, look for brands that offer transparency about their sourcing and testing. Choose providers that own and manage their own herds of pure desi cows and offer genetic testing or third-party certifications. A farm-to-table model with a robust cold chain is also a good indicator of quality.

A2 milk still contains lactose, so it is not a solution for individuals with true lactose intolerance. However, some people who experience discomfort with regular milk (which is often due to the A1 protein) may find A2 milk to be more tolerable. If you are lactose intolerant, lactose-free milk is the more appropriate choice.

While the nutritional content of A2 milk is very similar to regular milk in terms of fats, vitamins, and minerals, the potential health benefits are often attributed to its different protein structure. A2 milk's digestibility is its primary distinguishing factor, particularly for those with sensitivities to the A1 protein.

Yes, A2 milk from indigenous Indian breeds is typically more expensive than conventional milk. This is because desi cows generally have lower milk yields, and ethical farming practices require higher investment. The premium price often reflects better quality and ethical production.