Effects of genetic variants of κ-casein and β-lactoglobulin and heat treatment on coagulating properties of milk

Abstract

Fifty-two Holstein cows with different phenotypes of κ-casein (κ-CN) and β-lactoglobulin (β-LG) were selected to provide weekly milk samples for heating at 30, 70, 75 and 80°C for 2 min. Coagulating properties of heated milk samples measured as rennet clotting time, rate of curd firming and curd firmness at cutting were determined by a Formagraph. Milk samples were analysed for fat and casein. Least squares analyses of data, after adjustments were made for effect of milk casein and fat contents, indicated that although an increase in heating temperatures resulted in less desirable coagulating properties, the effect of milk types was inherent irrespective of heating temperatures. The shortest rennet clotting time (6.06 min), fastest rate of curd firming (5.61 min) and firmest curd (38.05 mm) were obtained from milk with the B variant for κ-CN and B variant for β -LG when preheated at 30°C. It appears that milk bearing κ-CN B is more resistant to heat perturbation. All milk samples having the κ-casein AA (milk types AA/AA, AA/AB, AA/BB) did not have a measurable K20 value when preheated at 70°C. This effect was observed for κ-casein AB (milk types AB/AA, AB/AB, AB/BB) at 75°C and κ-casein BB (milk types BB/AA, BB/AB, BB/BB) at 80°C.