Is India A1 or A2? Understanding A1 vs A2 Milk in India

December 13, 2025 •

4 min read

Genetic studies in Indian native cattle breeds have shown a very high frequency of the A2 beta-casein allele, exceeding 90% in many indigenous dairy cows like the Sahiwal and Gir. This indicates that milk from most indigenous Indian breeds is naturally A2 dominant.

Quick Summary

The majority of milk from India's native cow breeds and buffaloes is A2, while milk from crossbred and exotic breeds often contains the A1 protein. The distinction lies in the beta-casein protein, which affects digestibility for some individuals.

Key Points

Genetically A2 Dominant: Most of India's indigenous cow breeds, such as Gir and Sahiwal, are naturally A2 dominant.
Hybrid A1/A2 Market: The modern dairy market in India includes a mix of A1 and A2 milk due to crossbreeding with high-yielding exotic breeds like Holstein Friesian.
BCM-7 Peptide: The A1 beta-casein protein can release the peptide BCM-7 during digestion, which is linked to potential digestive discomfort in some individuals.
Easier Digestion: A2 milk, lacking the specific protein structure that produces BCM-7, is considered easier on the digestive system for sensitive individuals.
Cultural and Economic Factors: The resurgence of A2 milk supports the preservation of native Indian cattle breeds and aligns with traditional, natural farming practices.
Ongoing Research: While health claims are widespread, robust scientific evidence is still emerging, and many people can consume A1 milk without issue.

The Genetic Distinction Between A1 and A2 Milk

For centuries, the milk consumed in India came from indigenous cows and buffaloes, which naturally produce milk with the A2 beta-casein protein. This genetic trait is ancestral and remains prevalent among native Bos indicus cattle. The modern distinction between A1 and A2 milk arose with the introduction of European cow breeds, such as Holstein Friesian (HF), during the Green Revolution to boost milk production. These exotic and crossbred animals often carry the mutated A1 beta-casein gene, leading to a mixed milk supply in the commercial dairy market today.

How Milk Proteins Affect Digestion

At the core of the A1 vs A2 debate is how each protein is processed by the human digestive system. A1 beta-casein, due to a histidine amino acid at position 67, releases a peptide called Beta-Casomorphin-7 (BCM-7) during digestion. Some studies have suggested that BCM-7 might be associated with digestive discomfort, bloating, and other inflammatory responses in sensitive individuals. By contrast, A2 beta-casein has a proline amino acid at the same position, which prevents the release of BCM-7. This structural difference is why A2 milk is often perceived as gentler on the stomach and easier to digest for many people.

India's Dairy Landscape: Native vs. Crossbred Cattle

While India's indigenous breeds are predominantly A2, the widespread crossbreeding with European cows has introduced the A1 gene into a portion of the country's dairy pool. This has created a bifurcated market: on one side, traditional, indigenous A2 milk and, on the other, mass-produced milk that is a mix of A1 and A2 proteins. Consumers are increasingly seeking out pure A2 milk, driving a niche market for products sourced exclusively from native breeds like Gir, Sahiwal, and Rathi.

Indigenous Breeds (Predominantly A2): These include Gir, Sahiwal, Tharparkar, Red Sindhi, and Rathi. Studies consistently show a high frequency of the A2 allele in these breeds.
Exotic and Crossbred Breeds (Mixed A1/A2): Holstein Friesian and Jersey cows, commonly found in commercial dairy farms, are the primary source of milk with significant A1 beta-casein content in India.

The Health and Market Implications of A1 vs A2

The health claims surrounding A2 milk have fueled a premium market segment, but the scientific evidence remains a subject of ongoing research and debate. However, many individuals with mild digestive sensitivities report fewer issues when switching to A2 milk, which may contribute to its perceived health benefits. The higher price point of A2 milk is often due to the lower milk yield of native breeds compared to their exotic counterparts.

A1 vs A2 Milk: A Comparison


Feature	A1 Milk	A2 Milk
Primary Cow Breeds	European breeds (Holstein, Jersey), and their crossbreds in India.	Indigenous Indian breeds (Gir, Sahiwal, Rathi) and buffaloes.
Beta-Casein Protein	Contains both A1 and A2 beta-casein proteins.	Contains predominantly A2 beta-casein protein.
Digestion Byproducts	Releases the BCM-7 peptide during digestion, which some link to digestive discomfort.	Does not release BCM-7, considered easier to digest for sensitive individuals.
Availability in India	Found in most commercial, mass-produced milk products.	Available through specialized brands focusing on native breeds or organic farming.
Market Price	Generally more affordable due to higher milk yields from crossbred cows.	Commands a premium price, reflecting the lower yield of native A2 breeds.

The Broader Indian Context

The shift towards A2 milk isn't just a nutritional trend; it's also tied to the conservation of India's indigenous cattle breeds and traditional farming practices. Government initiatives like the Rashtriya Gokul Mission support the improvement and preservation of these native bovines. The push for A2 milk reflects a return to traditional wisdom and a growing consumer desire for more natural, traditionally sourced food products. As research continues and consumer awareness grows, the market for A2 milk is expanding, with brands highlighting the ancestral purity and potential digestive benefits of their products.

Conclusion: Navigating Your Choice in the Indian Dairy Market

To definitively answer the question "Is India A1 or A2?" requires nuance. Traditionally, milk from India's native cows and buffaloes has been overwhelmingly A2. However, decades of crossbreeding with high-yield European cattle have introduced a significant A1 presence into the commercial milk supply. Therefore, the milk available in the Indian market today can be either A1, A2, or a mix of both, depending on the source. For consumers, this means making an informed choice based on their digestive sensitivities and health priorities. While A2 milk is gaining popularity for its perceived health and digestive benefits, standard A1 milk is perfectly healthy for most people who have no adverse reaction to it. The key is to be aware of the source and to listen to your body.

Pure & Eco India: Is A2 Milk Better Than A1 Milk? Scientific Review

Frequently Asked Questions

The main difference lies in the beta-casein protein. A1 milk has a histidine amino acid at position 67, which can release the peptide BCM-7 during digestion. A2 milk has a proline at that same position, which prevents BCM-7 release and may be easier to digest.

Indigenous Indian breeds, including Gir, Sahiwal, Tharparkar, and Rathi, are known to predominantly produce A2 milk.

No. While indigenous breeds produce A2 milk, crossbreeding with exotic cows like Holstein Friesian means much of the commercially available milk is a mixture of both A1 and A2 protein variants.

A2 milk is often perceived as better for individuals with milk sensitivities, but it does not alter the lactose content. The ease of digestion is related to the beta-casein protein, not lactose.

A2 milk is typically more expensive because the native Indian breeds that produce it naturally have a lower milk yield compared to the high-yielding exotic and crossbred cows that produce A1 milk.

BCM-7 (Beta-casomorphin-7) is a peptide released during the digestion of A1 milk. Some studies have linked it to digestive issues and other health concerns, though the evidence is still debated and not conclusive.

To ensure you are buying genuine A2 milk, look for products from brands that specify their milk is sourced from tested, indigenous A2-only cattle. Many such products are sold by boutique farms or specialized brands.