Last week, I introduced you to A2 beta-casein and its benefits. To recap, A2 beta-casein is a milk protein that contributes to the nutritional value and digestibility of the milk. An A2/A2 cow can theoretically raise a bigger calf on less milk than an A1/A2 or A1/A1 cow. I theorized that this could be one of the reasons why our moderate-sized, low-input PCC cows can raise big calves without being heavy milkers. This could definitely be a game changer!
It’s important to note that all mammals, including humans, produce A2/A2 milk. So how did the A1 beta-casein gene get into bovines? I talked with Steve Campbell of Tailor Made Cattle, who is very knowledgeable on this subject. He thinks the A1 gene was introduced into cattle when the industry started breeding for larger size, more milk and less fleshing ability. The industry tried to breed the fat out of cows and add more growth and milk during the 1960s, 70s and 80s. To do so, they used outlier genetics for growth. This is most likely where the A1 beta-casein gene came from.
In the book, Devil in the Milk, author Keith Woodford says that A1 milk can cause all kinds of autoimmune diseases including Type 1 diabetes. If A1 does this to humans, what does it do to calves? Woodford thinks that about 50% of the dairy industry has the A1 gene. Campbell estimates a similar percentage in conventional beef animals. I wanted to know how PCC genetics compared and if A2 could be another reason why moderate-sized PCC cows can raise big calves.
To test my theory, PCC had 76 of its AI sires tested for the A2 beta-casein gene. The results came back showing 86% of our AI sires are A2/A2. These findings are significant! This proves to me that our moderate-sized, low-input PCC AI sires are putting calves on the ground that have another competitive advantage.
To further test this theory, PCC tested all the bulls being developed for three of our fall bull sales. Out of the 474 bulls tested, a whopping 82% were A2/A2. This is impressive! Who else sells bulls with this high of a percentage of A2/A2? Who else in the industry even tests beef animals for A2/A2? This is proof that PCC bulls will sire replacement females that will make you more money!
Our Mission
Our mission, here at Pharo Cattle Company™, has always been to help cow-calf producers put more fun and profit into their business. Ranching is a great way of life, but in order for it to be sustainable (passed on to the next generation) it must be both profitable and enjoyable.