Milk That’s Gentler on Your Gut? Belarus Has a Plan

Belarus has launched a national project to develop a new cattle breed, the Belarusian Red, producing A2A2 milk by 2030. The initiative is led by the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus through its Scientific and Practical Center for Animal Husbandry. The project is aimed at improving digestibility and promoting genetic diversity in Belarus’ dairy sector. The breed will complement existing herds such as the Belarusian Black-and-White and Holstein.

In a major step toward dairy innovation, Belarus has announced the development of a new cattle breed — the Belarusian Red — specifically bred to produce milk rich in A2A2 beta-casein. The project is spearheaded by the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus through its Scientific and Practical Center for Animal Husbandry and is expected to be completed by 2030.

Initiated at the direction of the President of Belarus, the program seeks to offer milk that is more easily digested, particularly for newborns, the elderly, and individuals sensitive to the A1 protein found in conventional milk. According to Ivan Sheyko, First Deputy Director General of the Center, the A2A2 beta-casein content in the Belarusian Red is projected to reach 70%, far surpassing the 30% found in Holstein cattle.

The breeding work is actively progressing in Grodno, a region in western Belarus, where more than 2,000 head of cattle are currently being raised. This new breed is positioned to become the third key genetic line in the country, alongside the established Belarusian Black-and-White and the globally used Holstein.

As emphasized by Vladimir Karanik, Chairman of the Presidium of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, the goal of the initiative is not to replace existing breeds like Holsteins but to diversify the country’s dairy genetics. Holsteins will remain dominant in high-tech farms, while the Belarusian Red is tailored for small and medium-sized farming operations.

This move aligns Belarus with the global shift toward A2 milk, seen in countries such as Australia, the United States, and New Zealand, where A2-focused herds are being built in response to consumer demand for more natural and digestible dairy products.

The Belarusian Red project symbolizes a balanced approach to modernizing agriculture while preserving genetic diversity and health-conscious consumption. With its scheduled completion by 2030, Belarus aims to take a leading role in the global A2 dairy market.