MOLECULAR-GENETIC IDENTIFICATION AND ALLELIC PROFILING OF THE CSN2 GENE IN BUSHUYEV CATTLE

This study aims to perform the molecular-genetic characterization of the β-casein (CSN2) gene, a critical quantitative trait locus (QTL) associated with milk protein composition and technological properties, in the indigenous Bushuyev cattle breed. The CSN2 gene plays a crucial role in encoding β-casein, influencing milk yield, nutritional value, and allergenicity profiles. Genomic DNA (gDNA) was extracted from biological samples of Bushuyev cattle using standard extraction protocols. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) conditions were optimized using locus-specific primers to amplify the targeted exon region of the CSN2 gene. The resulting amplicons were identified and validated via agarose gel electrophoresis based on expected base pair size. The molecular data obtained provides a critical scientific baseline for allelic profiling, evaluating genetic diversity within the endangered Bushuyev breed, and implementing future marker-assisted selection (MAS) strategies aimed at improving milk quality traits.