Technical Note: Detection of the C Allele of β-Casein (CSN2) in Czech Dairy Goat Breeds Using LightCycler Analysis

A protocol was developed for rapid genotyping of A and C variants at the CSN2 locus in goat species (White Shorthaired and Brown Shorthaired goat) by PCR and LightCycler analysis. The LightCycler technique combines rapid and efficient in vitro amplification of DNA in glass capillaries, with melting curve analysis based on fluorescence resonance energy transfer, for the sensitive detection of point mutation. Analysis of the CSN2 variability in the 2 goat breeds reared in the Czech Republic validated the genotyping test. Monitoring of CSN2 variability in the goat breeds indicates the predominance of the C allele. In both breeds, CSN2*A and CSN2*C showed almost similar frequencies. Variant CSN2*C occurred with a frequency of 0.699 in White Shorthaired goats and 0.570 in Brown Short-haired goats.