Milk is one of the most important products on Brazilians' tables. The product, and its derivatives, help to boost the generation of jobs and income in Brazil, contributing 24% of the Gross Value of Production generated by livestock farming. It is estimated that around four million people work in the fields, milking and handling livestock, and in the dairy industries. Data from the Brazilian Agriculture and Livestock Confederation (CNA) indicate that milk production this year in the country will be 34.9 billion liters, and revenue will total R$ 46.8 billion.
The numbers could be even higher. A portion of the Brazilian population cannot consume the product because of an allergic reaction to the proteins. It is a reality that begins to change with the production of a special type of milk in the country.
Research into the production of non-allergenic cow's milk is advanced in the Federal District, through a partnership between Fazenda Hermínia and the Brazilian Agricultural Production Company (Embrapa). It is possible that A2 milk will be on the market as early as next year. The project for the production of this type of milk, based on genetic manipulation with Gir Leiteiro breed cattle, belongs to the farm's owner, Paulo Horta, a cardiovascular surgeon who performed the first bypass operation in the Cento-Oeste region, in 1973. At 82 years old, retired, he has enthusiastically followed the studies carried out by Embrapa since 2014.
In genotyping tests carried out with the farm's cattle, more than 90% of the cows presented the A2 A2 variant of the Beta Casein protein, that is, they are able to produce a type of milk that would not cause allergies in humans. Quality in production also depends on observing management standards, such as raising animals without confinement, with free access to pasture and sunlight.
Nutrition
The nutritional importance of milk is great, as the product has a great concentration of calcium and phosphorus, essential minerals for the formation and maintenance of bones. Product allergy and lactose intolerance are different manifestations. This reaction to milk sugar is due to a lack of lactase, the enzyme that digests lactose. Allergies are the body's own immunological reaction to proteins. “Allergies may even decrease with age. But, for a child, it is a major issue, as it causes digestive, circulatory problems and other more serious complications. In adults, it can produce diabetes mellitus, ischemic heart disease and cognitive changes”, explains Paulo Horta.
In addition to the Gir Leiteiro, Embrapa's research involves zebu animals of the Sindi breed, whose milk presents a great possibility of having the A2 A2 variant of the Beta Casein protein. The basis of the genetic information of animals is in DNA. Through genotyping tests, Embrapa researchers identify DNA polymorphisms, responsible for important characteristics for animal production, such as weight gain, milk production, carcass constitution, disease resistance and fertility.
Genotyping tests identify the A1 or A2 variants, making these tests necessary even in animals of the same breed. “Based on this information, matings are carried out and, through reproduction biotechniques (in vitro fertilization and cloning), females are selected so that they are born with the release of Beta Casein in the milk”, explained Carlos Frederico Martins, researcher in the area of animal reproduction at Embrapa.
The production of anti-allergenic products is a reality in several countries. New Zealand, which has already registered the name “A2 Milk”, certifies farms with herds that exclusively produce A2 milk, in addition to dairy products derived from this type of milk. The product is also found on shelves in commercial establishments in the United States and Australia.
Partnerships
The partnership between Fazenda Hermínia and Embrapa is already old. The joint work resulted in the use of the bull Whiskey A2A2 in the main matings. He is one of the national highlights of the Gir Leiteiro breed, being considered one of the main animals in the production of A2 milk in Brazil and one of the best bulls proven in the Central-West region. The animal is currently at the Alta Genetics Semen Center, in Uberaba, Minas Gerais, where its genetic material is collected for export.
Located in the Rural Center of Tabatinga, administrative region of Planaltina, Fazenda Hermínia has a herd of 120 animals and, since 1982, has been raising dairy cattle. Furthermore, Paulo Horta's wife, Lindalva, makes three types of cheeses from A2 milk: Minas Padrão, Minas Frescal and Chanclish (Arabic). The 100-hectare property has been served by the Technical Assistance and Rural Extension Company of the Federal District (Emater-DF) for at least two decades. “The focus of our work is sustainable rural development and service includes environmental, social and economic assistance. It’s continuous work”, explains agronomist Lucas Pacheco, manager of Emater at the Núcleo Rural de Tabatinga.
Discover the numbers of dairy production in the country
156 liters is the per capita consumption
90 products have milk or milk protein in their composition
2016
33 billion liters
R$ 27 billion in revenue
1.2 million producers
4 million jobs
40% of jobs in rural areas
R$ 1.34 gross average price per liter paid to the producer
2017
34.9 billion liters, estimated production
R$ 46.8 billion in revenue
Source: Ministry of Labor and Employment / Confederation of Agriculture and Livestock of Brazil / Secretariat of Agriculture, Supply and Rural Development
Source: Agrolink
