Walk through the shelves of any ghee store or search for desi cow ghee online, and you will often see ‘A2’, ‘desi cow’ and ‘Gir cow’ used together. This can make it seem like desi cow ghee and A2 ghee are the same thing. They are not. ‘Desi cow’ refers to Indian indigenous cattle, while ‘A2’ refers to a type of beta-casein protein in the cow milk and is also based on the genetics of the cow producing the milk.

What Does A2 Mean in Cow Milk?

A2 is one form of beta-casein, a protein found naturally in cow's milk. A cow can have an A1A1, A1A2 or A2A2 genotype. An A2A2 cow has two copies of the A2 variant and produces milk containing the A2 form of beta-casein. An A1A2 cow carries both variants, while an A1A1 cow carries the A1 variant. This is why A2A2 is a genetic status, while ‘desi cow’ is a broader, more generic term.

Why Are Indian Desi Cows Associated With A2 Milk?

Indian indigenous cattle have a high prevalence of the A2 variant.

A 2022 ICAR-NBAGR study examined about 4,000 cattle, including 2,500 animals from 27 Indian native breeds. Among the native cattle studied, the A2 allele frequency was about 95%. The study reported 90.5% A2A2, 9.1% A1A2 and 0.4% A1A1 animals. A 2023 study of 1,000 milk samples from seven Indian indigenous breeds found an average A2A2 frequency of about 80%. Among the Gir cattle tested, the A2A2 frequency was 93%.

While these figures point to a strong connection between desi cows and A2 milk, it is important to keep in mind that this still does not mean that every desi cow is A2A2.

Read More: Why the Breed of the Cow Matters in Ghee

 

Is Every Desi Cow A2A2?

Again, no! The term ‘desi cow’ does not confirm the A2A2 status of an individual cow.

A2A2 is determined by genetics. A cow's breed can indicate how common the A2 variant is within that breed, but genetic testing is needed to confirm the status of an individual animal.

Is Gir Cow Ghee Always A2 Ghee?

Gir cattle are strongly associated with A2 ghee because studies have found a high prevalence of A2A2 cattle in the breed. The 2023 study reported 93% A2A2 among the Gir cattle tested. However, this does not mean every Gir cow is A2A2.

So, Gir cow ghee and A2 ghee are related terms, but they should not be treated as automatically interchangeable.

Is Desi Cow Ghee the Same as A2 Ghee?

Desi cow ghee and A2 ghee describe different things.

Desi cow ghee generally means ghee made from milk of Indian indigenous cows. A2 ghee generally refers to ghee made from milk containing the A2 form of beta-casein, particularly milk from A2A2 cows.

There is also an important difference between milk and ghee. FSSAI standards require ghee to contain at least 99.5% milk fat, with moisture not exceeding 0.5%. Beta-casein is a milk protein, while ghee is mainly milk fat. So, research on A2 milk should not automatically be treated as research on A2 ghee.

How Can You Know If A2 Cow Ghee Is Really From A2A2 Cows?

If you are looking for A2 milk based ghee, check the milk source and the evidence behind the A2 claim.

Look for information about the cattle, milk source and sourcing process. Genetic testing or reliable herd records provide stronger evidence for an A2A2 claim than simply putting ‘A2’ or ‘desi cow’ on the label.

If milk comes from several cows or farms, the brand should also be able to explain how the A2 claim is established.

What Did FSSAI Say About A2 Ghee?

FSSAI addressed A1/A2 claims on milk and dairy products in 2024.

On 21 August 2024, FSSAI issued an advisory concerning A1/A2 differentiation and claims on milk and milk products, including milk-fat products such as ghee. The advisory was withdrawn on 26 August 2024 for further consultation and stakeholder engagement.

So, the withdrawn advisory should not be presented as a current blanket ban on A2 ghee. Current FSSAI standards and applicable labelling requirements are what matter when assessing these claims.

What Should You Look For When Buying Desi Cow Ghee?

If you are buying desi cow ghee, look beyond the front label. Check the cattle breed, milk source, sourcing process and available testing information. ‘Desi cow ' tells you about the cattle, while ‘A2’ refers to the type of beta-casein associated with the milk. The more clearly a brand explains its milk source and A2 claim, the easier it is to understand what you are actually buying.

The Bottom Line

Indian indigenous cattle have a high prevalence of the A2 beta-casein variant, which is why desi cow ghee and A2 ghee are often linked in the market.

But ‘desi cow’ does not automatically mean A2A2. A breed can have a high A2 prevalence, but the A2A2 status of an individual cow is determined through genetics.

If you are specifically looking for A2 milk based ghee, pay attention to the milk source and the evidence supporting the A2 claim rather than relying on the label alone.

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Quick FAQs

Is all desi cow milk A2?

Indian indigenous cattle have a high prevalence of the A2 variant, but not every individual cow is necessarily A2A2.

Is all desi cow ghee A2?

Desi cow ghee does not automatically mean that the milk came only from A2A2 cows. The A2 claim depends on the cows providing the milk.

Is Gir cow milk A2?

Gir cattle have a high A2A2 prevalence. A 2023 study found 93% A2A2 among the Gir cattle tested, but this does not guarantee that every Gir cow is A2A2.

What is an A2A2 cow?

An A2A2 cow has two copies of the A2 beta-casein variant and produces milk containing the A2 form of beta-casein.

Is A2 ghee healthier than regular ghee?

A2 should not automatically be treated as a health benefit. Most A2 research concerns beta-casein in milk, while ghee is primarily milk fat.