SmCo$_5$ and YCo$_5$ are isostructural compounds both showing large magnetocrystalline anisotropy, where the former originates mainly from the crystal-electric field and magnetic interactions. We investigate the contribution of both interactions by partially substituting Y by Sm in as-cast polycrystalline Y$_{1-x}$Sm$_{x}$Co$_5$ (with $x$=0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, and 0.4) and measuring their structural, magnetic, and electrical properties through X-ray diffraction, magnetization, and electrical transport measurements. Our results suggest an interplay between microstructure strain in as-cast samples and the electronic and magnetic interactions.